Warehouse planning

Does your company have a warehouse or are you planning to build one? Are your current warehousing processes inadequate, is your storage capacity low?

We have a long history of expertise in warehouse planning, covering the planning of the entire storage and material handling system. The most important task is to accurately perform the sizing, which requires a detailed overview of the subsystems served and their processes. This is followed by a conceptual planning and evaluation of the subsystems, and then the preparation of a detailed logistics system plan for the selected option. Such a system concept includes, for example, the internal layout of the warehouse, the positioning of storage racks, the selection of material handling equipment, material handling routes, service processes, facilities for the connection to the inbound and outbound sides and other areas. We can even plan the entire site. We do all this in close cooperation with the other specialists, from planning to construction.

Network optimization

Do you want to improve or reorganise your company’s internal and external logistics network? Are you wondering how to make your logistics network more efficient?

One of the general problems of logistics networks is that they are based on habit, which has evolved over time according to different circumstances. In our experience, for this and many other reasons, the operation of logistics networks is generally sub-optimal, with various wastes. We can show, based on the parameters of the networks, the indicators that can be used to characterise the current logistics network, both in terms of static and dynamic structure. We can then propose versions of the logistics network structured and operating along more favourable indicators. Depending on the objective, these variants will also answer questions at strategic (e.g. location of sites) and operational (e.g. route planning) level.

Stock optimization

Want to reduce your storage costs? Is your stock level too high? Want to know the optimal safety stock level? Want to simplify stock planning? Wondering what inventory control solution can ensure continuous and smooth operations?

The consequence of a poorly defined safety stock, e.g. based on an estimate only, or an inadequately parameterised replenishment of stocks, may even be overstocking, which may lead to additional costs. Even more serious problems can be stock shortages and consequently the risk of disruption and stoppage of operations. In order to avoid such problems, it is necessary to carefully plan the company’s operations, define the relevant metrics and then optimise the inventory management system using appropriate mathematical models, leading to a significant reduction in operating costs.

Trainings

Do you want to train yourself and your colleagues in the field of logistics? Do you want your company’s employees to develop with the help of the latest training materials and methodologies?

In addition to project work for companies, we have extensive experience in delivering training to different target groups. Training for companies can be delivered on individually selected topics, on a time-scheduled basis, in different group sizes. An essential aspect of the training is the active involvement of the participants, joint work and learning, continuous cooperation and feedback on the lessons learned. The materials used to deliver the training include a variety of e-learning solutions, which can also be used as required. The focus is always on developing the target group’s designated competence area and its associated skills.

Process development

Do you feel that your company’s processes are not working properly? Are you experiencing wastes in time, money or other resources?

Our comprehensive professional competence is process development, during which we assess your company’s processes, characterise them with numerical parameters and provide a complete picture of their current state. We identify process defects and make recommendations for improvement. The recommendations will address minor quality issues, but may also aim at re-engineering the entire process from the ground up (BPR). Process planning uses standard process description languages (EPC and BPMN) to create transparent flowcharts of the current state of the processes (As-Is) and the planned future state (To-Be).

Demand planning

Want to know your customers’ needs better? Do you often experience stock shortages in your company’s logistics system, hindering the smooth running of your processes? Or are you regularly overproduced, causing serious wastes?

We also have considerable experience in demand planning and demand forecasting. We determine what data you need for demand planning and analyse the entire demand process. We also determine the real seasonality of products and trends in the demand process. After mathematical identification, we will build a model that fits your company and allows you to forecast the expected demand with a given level of confidence. Properly parameterised models will allow your company to improve the efficiency of its logistics operations and thus reduce costs. In demand forecasting projects, we use well-established identification tests and mathematical models that have proven their suitability in numerous projects.

Production logistics

Are you looking to improve the layout of your production plant or are you planning a new internal layout? Do you want to operate an efficient material and information flow system for production?

Based on our professional experience in planning shop floor layouts, the development and operation of a material and information flow system contributes significantly to the quality of the product and the costs incurred. The ideal layout of a production plant is not only important from a production technology point of view, but also from a logistical point of view. The planning task will aim to create a logistics system with short material handling routes and the lowest possible material handling power requirements (taking into account safety and health aspects). The planning will determine the minimum number of workers and material handling machines required for a continuous product flow. We also assist you in the selection of material handling machines, in the preparation of the implementation and even in the execution of the project.

Expert assessments

Does your company need a logistics expert’s opinion on a specific issue or problem? Do you want to be sure that you are making the right, well-informed decision from a logistical point of view in an unexpected case?

Thanks to our many years of project work, our educational experience and our certified logistics expertise, we are able to carry out various studies, provide expert opinions. Experience has shown that in the course of warehousing and goods transport processes, cases may often arise which may require an expert examination. In such investigations, we prepare the most accurate, professionally and scientifically based expert opinion that can be expected, which provides a basis for subsequent decisions.

Site planning

Do you have a logistics site with several building with different functions (e.g. production, warehouse)? Do you feel that the current logistical processes for these functions are inadequate? Are you planning to build a new site as a greenfield investment?

The optimisation of the logistics network structure is a key issue in the planning, monitoring and improvement of the logistics processes of a given company site. This can cover a number of areas, such as the location of functions within the site and their required floorspace, the material flow structure to link functions, the road network connectivity and the location of additional site facilities required. In solving this task, we can propose a site layout that is appropriate to the needs and technically correct, based on a number of scenarios. At this point, as a logistics planner, we work in close cooperation with the other planners, even through the execution of the construction if required.

Logistics informatics

Don’t know with absolute certainty what’s in your warehouse and plant? Do you have inaccurate information about your stocks, their location and quantities? Are you lost between paper or Excel-based spreadsheets and reports?

There are numerous technologies for the identification of repositories and products, the best known of which are barcode and radio frequency identification (RFID) solutions. When combined with a well-specified warehouse management system (WMS), the flow of products in a warehouse or within a plant can be tracked and their quantity, location and current status can be instantly retrieved from the database. These can provide an excellent basis for producing accurate reports, characterising the operational efficiency of the company and identifying improvement directions. In combination with mobile data collection devices (PDAs), in-house operations (e.g. warehousing, inventory) can be digitised, increasing efficiency, reducing time and the potential for errors. We can help you achieve your goals by assessing your current operations, compiling a feature list of the best-fit warehouse management system, planning the digital processes and, if necessary, supporting the implementation of the system until the project is completed.

Automation

No manpower available to move materials around the plant and run the warehouse? Do you want indoor material handling to be more predictable? Do you want to use the latest technologies in your company? Do you want to automate your processes?

There are already countless solutions on the market. We can help you navigate the maze of automation. Whether it’s a greenfield investment or an existing production plant or warehouse, we’ll find the optimal solution for you. As with all major investments, the expected payback period must be taken into account and requires careful calculations. The most important task is to carry out the sizing accurately, which requires a detailed overview of the subsystems served and their processes. Only then can a material handling or storage process be automated. If necessary, a complete system concept can be drawn up.

System development audit

Curious about how your company’s logistics works? Would you like to identify your company’s weaknesses and possible areas for improvement? Would you like to receive action plans ready for improvement?

During a systems development audit, we will conduct a full audit of your company using interviews, site visits and the data we receive. In the first phase of the project, we will assess what data we need and provide you with detailed data requests. Information is collected and analysed in all the areas of logistics we cover, be it production, goods transport, warehousing, stocking or purchasing. The analysis will reflect industry standards, best practice, internal company standards and, where relevant, ISO 9001. The results will be documented and presented to you. In areas where there is room for improvement, we will draw your attention to it and set out concrete directions. If required, we will prepare project proposals and action plans.