Modular warehouse management system with forklift navigation
The organization of warehouse processes is also an important topic in small and medium-sized companies. There, these are still often handled manually via tables, lists and paper printouts. However, this is neither efficient nor up-to-date, as earnings and competitiveness suffer in the long term. Even with smaller fleets of three to four industrial trucks, it is easy to lose track of the situation if the management of incoming and outgoing goods as well as storage and retrieval is organized by paper.
The remedy here is the switch to digital warehouse management. The Linde Warehouse Navigator supports companies in organizing all warehouse processes digitally. Its range of functions can be adapted to different warehouse scenarios and expanded step by step. In addition, the developers have placed great emphasis on high usability. On the one hand, this is reflected in a clear, configurable user interface. On the other hand, it is possible to integrate mobile devices. Training and go-live support are also included in every package solution. The software licenses for the Linde Warehouse Navigator, including the fees for cloud hosting, can be purchased directly as a package or rented via a monthly rate.
After installation, all orders and stocks as well as goods movements in the warehouse can be controlled, monitored and documented paperlessly. The basis is the warehouse management system (WMS) with the management of all warehouse types as well as standard strategies for storage and retrieval.
A visual highlight of the software is the 3D visualization of all storage locations. This shows the current occupancy on the entire plant site. The selected items are color-coded so that their position in the warehouse can be easily identified. "This function is particularly helpful for block storage areas," says Hock. In addition, the load carriers can be permanently tracked via the optional Real-Time Locating System (RTLS). In conjunction with the RTLS, the forklift guidance system (SLS) coordinates the routes of the industrial trucks in real time and displays all forklifts and AGVs operating in the warehouse.
There are two options for the distribution of orders. In the first option, the driving orders are generated manually by the employees. This is done, for example, via drag-and-drop in the warehouse visualization or via a forklift call system (call button). In the second option, orders are assigned automatically, for example from the ERP system via an interface or when predefined thresholds are undershot. Once the driver has received his or her order, the system uses arrows in the 3D view to show him or her thefastest route to the destination. The source and destination of the driving job are also highlighted in color.
The third component of the Linde Warehouse Navigator is the picking guidance system. This bundles smaller orders with many individual items for parallel picking (multi-order picking). Larger orders can be divided into several partial orders and then consolidated.
So the bottom line is that Linde Warehouse Navigator helps harmonize the operational IT landscape and reduces the number of contact persons. Narrow-aisle vehicles and automated equipment can be integrated via standard interfaces. "This ensures short commissioning times and reduced costs," explains Christoph Hock.