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Special technology report Voice and WMS


performance. Process tracking can show trends in relevant performance parameters. Online simulation can show ‘if-then-else’


Steve Binder, senior director, sales & marketing


scenarios to support future planning steps. Vanderlande Industries has significant


experience in such process analysis and


optimisation. Our Business Process Intelligence System (BPI) enables gathering, storing and analysing process data, providing customers with the information they need to make better decisions.”


Support for multi-channel retail


Vennemann adds that another key talking point in the world of WMS is support for multi- channel retail. “Consumers today want seamless service regardless of the sales channel they are using,” he commented. “They also tend to move between sales channels. Consumers hear about products on the web, go to the shop and then buy. Or they may see a product in a store, check the web to find the best offer and then buy online. So the logistics process has to be able to support this need. Many retailers are facing a big challenge, because their whole logistics process is built around the traditional ‘bricks and mortar’ shop concept. At Vanderlande, we have developed solutions for multi-channel retailers that enable them to improve their service level and handle the strong growth in their online sales.”


Vennemann also cited integration and interfacing as being another area that is often discussed in today’s WMS space. “Customers require more seamless integration between for example their ERP system and the WMS,” he said. Additionally, Vennemann points to integration of WMS and TMS (Transport Management System). “The most important reasons for integration of software in logistics processes are faster and more accurate


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MANUFACTURING &LOGISTICS


IT July 2011 www.logisticsit.com


delivery to customers in combination with possibilities for cost reduction because of better planning of the entire process. The key element is better supply chain visibility that facilitates better decision making.”


Regarding ERP integration, Vanderlande recently strengthened its relationship with SAP and joined SAP’s PartnerEdge programme. Vanderlande has already cooperated intensively with SAP since 2003. As part of the PartnerEdge programme, Vanderlande has optimised the interface between the SAP environment and Vanderlande’s Vision Warehouse





Management and Control System (WMS/WCS). “Optimising this interface ensures seamless integration of the SAP ERP system and Vanderlande’s Vision WMS/WCS in automated warehouses and distribution centres,” said Vennemann.


Sudip Masoji, business development manager at DLoG UK, maintains that organisations need to be more agile in today's highly competitive market, which means being able to respond quickly to changes and to deliver exactly what customers want, when they want it. “This has resulted in a demand for


integrated real-time systems to help maximise operational efficiency and productivity, and to increase visibility of the movement of goods through the warehousee,” he said. “This is achieved through a closed-loop approach that facilitates the easy flow of data throughout the organisation by being able to electronically distribute and collect essential process data to and from the operator at the point of use.”


Customers investing in Voice today are doing so during a difficult economic environment in which any capital expenditure is carefully scrutinised.”


– Steve Binder, Zetes.


According to Masoji, the essential nature of the information exchange process, particularly within wireless and mobile network infrastructures, means that companies must also consider a robust platform that can effectively and


reliably support this process. “DLoG industrial computers are designed and built with a high degree of configurability and flexibility to support this flow of information, in even the most extreme environments, ” he said. This, Masoji explains, is achieved by combining industrial capabilities, simple operation, and excellent visualisation all in one. “We offer full screen solutions that enable organisations to deliver greater quantities of information to the operator, ” he said, “empowering them with the knowledge to undertake activities effectively and efficiently. Furthermore, fast


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