Material Flow Planning and Warehouse Planning - the centrepiece of logistics

The centrepiece of logistics

In material flow and warehouse planning, we design material flow systems for your logistics solutions with the objective of creating the most efficient and effective logistics processes for you. These processes encompass goods receipt, storage, order picking, packaging and dispatch provision, as well as goods issue. Thanks to the process design and optimum support through automation, we coordinate intralogistics perfectly for you to ensure high-performance and cost-optimized operations:

Systems for incoming and outgoing goods
Storage systems for space-saving and gentle storage of pallets, containers and cartons etc.
Systems for time and cost-efficient order picking
Packaging technologies for smooth processing and dispatch preparation
Integrated storage system technology
Warehouse management systems (WMS) and control systems for warehouse process management

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Customer

We are very pleased with the outcome of this whole exercise we did together with Metroplan. We believe we have found the right path for Boozt.

Ronni Funch Olsen // Chief Supply Chain Officer - Boozt Fashion AB

Careful warehouse design saves time and costs

Once a storage system has been implemented, subsequent modifications require a significant investment of time and resources. For this reason, a well-considered storage concept that has been developed in detail and rigorously tested for functionality, load capacity and reliability using simulations and tests offers significant advantages:

Well-founded decision in favour of material flow concept
Cost certainty
Cost reduction, as services for the subsequent detailed planning phase, which is necessary in any case, are anticipated
Faster start to a tender
Specifications for construction planning (= critical path) can be handed over shortly after completion of the concept, so that the implementation schedule can be kept as short as possible

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As-is analysis and development of concept requirements

The development of the warehouse and material flow concept is initiated with a comprehensive analysis of the current situation. To achieve this, we will record all relevant operational process information, as well as data regarding throughput performance, capacities and framework conditions within the existing infrastructure.

In joint workshops, we develop requirements and objectives for future logistics processing. We take into account potential business development, changes in product ranges, order and customer structures and the logistics services to be provided. These requirements are compiled and approved in a catalogue of concept requirements and form the basis for further planning.

The quantitative and qualitative requirements, particularly with regard to economic efficiency, mapping of operational requirements and strategic aspects such as flexibility with regard to changes in requirements and expandability, must be taken into account in the concept.

Concept design

On this basis, we develop the target processes for the logistics centre and select suitable intralogistics systems such as storage and picking systems, packaging systems and conveyor technology, automation technology WMS and control systems that coordinate and monitor these components and the material flow. Furthermore, we consider factors such as flexibility in response to evolving requirements, scalability for future growth, and interfaces with building planning. We leverage your unique process expertise and our extensive project experience to devise the most effective logistics strategy.

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Quantitative and qualitative assessment

The concept phase ends with a quantitative and qualitative evaluation. In order to achieve this, we have identified the personnel requirements, investment needs and future operating costs for a number of potential options. Preferred systems are identified through a cost-benefit analysis. We use these systems to put together overall concepts, taking existing infrastructures into account, which we then evaluate.

For the preferred concept, we develop layouts, visualizations, business cases, project plans and, if necessary, simulations of individual process steps or the entire system. This information allows you to make an informed decision concerning the implementation of your project based on reliable facts.

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Detailed planning

Once the decision to proceed with the implementation of the logistics concept has been made, we will develop the processes, functions and technologies of the future material flow system in greater detail during the detailed planning phase. Standardized planning methods and in-house and commercial software tools enable us to plan with precision and support us in designing the future process in its entirety.

Functional layout
Processes and process description
Functional areas, warehouse and material flow technology, IT
Personnel structure and organization
Interface catalogue for construction planning
Simulation

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Warehouse management system: Brain and control center for all warehouse processes

The warehouse management system (WMS) controls and coordinates all warehouse processes and components in real time. The system continuously processes data on stocks, storage space and orders in order to allocate storage space in the most efficient manner possible, ensuring optimal utilization of available space and material flow technology. The choice of storage space is dependent on a number of factors, including the type, size, weight, storage conditions and access frequency of the goods and materials in question. A WMS controls all warehouse processes, such as:

Incoming goods
Storage space management
Inventory management
Order picking
Outgoing goods
Inventory
Returns management
Transport management
Reporting and analysis
Communication with other enterprise systems

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WMS procurement and Implementation

We help you to identify, procure, configure and implement a powerful and future-orientated WMS suitable for your logistics requirements.

Improve the efficiency and accuracy of your warehouse processes, cut costs, reduce lead times, increase customer satisfaction and keep your business flexible and scalable. Benefit from our experience in factory planning and logistics planning, which we have realized in our almost 50 years of company history.

Adapt or expand existing systems

Whether as an individual measure or as part of warehouse planning or warehouse optimization: We can customise, expand or implement existing warehouse management systems. From purely manual to semi-automatic to fully automatic warehouse processes. From a basic WMS for straightforward tasks to a sophisticated warehouse management system with extensive functions for managing large, complex warehouse environments and distribution centers at multiple locations.

We proceed in three stages when selecting, customising, setting up and commissioning warehouse management systems:

1. Demand analysis

The demand analysis serves to determine your requirements for the WMS. In order to accommodate future expansion and adaption options, we consider both the development scenarios and growth targets for your company, as well as our experience from past implementations.
Based on the existing processes and systems, we draw up a detailed catalog of requirements for the new or adapted WMS. In addition to the functional requirements for controlling warehouse processes, this also includes important non-functional aspects such as flexibility, scalability and user-friendliness. The latter runs through all project phases like a common thread: The full potential of high-performance warehouse management systems can only be realized if they are simple and intuitive enough for staff to operate.

2. Market research and Request for Information (RFI)

The core requirements are translated into a preliminary process description, which serves as the foundation for our market research. An RFI (Request for Information) is then used to enquire about interest, confirmation of the basic suitability of the system, the potential implementation period and a rough cost framework.
Based on a comprehensive assessment of quality, experience, references, scope of service and costs for implementation and ongoing operation, we jointly identify potential providers who meet the required standards. Our comprehensive understanding of the market, extensive experience with a range of systems and their respective advantages and disadvantages, as well as our extensive supplier database, enable us to provide this service.

3. Process design

As with the logistics concept, the process design provides a comprehensive overview of the future processes that will be supported by the WMS. To this end, the operational processes are coordinated in detail and the strategies for logistics handling are developed and agreed.
Furthermore, the minimum operational and usability requirements are clearly defined. The interfaces to the superordinate and, where applicable, subordinate systems are defined as part of process mapping. The requirements for the WMS are transferred to a detailed requirements specification, which forms the basis for the subsequent tender.

References