IFOY FINALIST FOCUS: SYNAOS IMS Vehicle Localization

Continuing with our run-through of each of the IFOY Award nominated finalists ahead of the winners announcement on 30th June at BMW World, we look at the SYNAOS IMS Vehicle Localization solution from SYNAOS.

IFOY Category: Special of the Year

Description

The seamless localization of transport vehicles is one of the most important steps towards fully digitized, highly efficient intralogistics. As soon as the position of every manually guided vehicle is known at all times, numerous new potentials arise: Important KPIs such as fleet utilization can be recorded, heat maps can be created and layouts can be optimized. In addition, drivers can be navigated optimally through production facilities and logistics centres, with delays being detected at an early stage. Furthermore, flexible, near real-time transport order planning can be realized. Also scan-free processes are made possible in this way, further simplifying workflows.

However, so far these and other use cases are not or only very rarely implemented – previous localization solutions are simply too expensive and it is not possible to achieve any savings. SYNAOS therefore pursues a modern approach: Intelligent software combined with cost-effective hardware allows precise and robust vehicle localization. For this purpose the sensor kit, which holds a stereo camera and a powerful embedded computer, is attached to the vehicles. This comparatively inexpensive combination enables the implementation of many use cases that were previously unprofitable.

Innovation
Current approaches for localizing vehicles in intralogistics are based on UWB (ultra wide band) or LIDAR (light detection and ranging). However, both techniques are associated with high costs – they require high and long-term investments. UWB requires a huge infrastructure investment and is very difficult to change or extend. In addition, the accuracy of localization depends on the illumination on site. LIDAR on the other side is achieving a very high accuracy. But this is not necessary for 95 percent of the applications in intralogistics. Another disadvantage is the high commissioning effort, because a map has to be created first.

SYNAOS IMS – Vehicle Localization, on the other hand, uses cameras and a technology called “visual odometry”. This technology is known from the fields of robotics and autonomous driving and is applied in logistics for the first time according to SYNAOS. In addition, SYNAOS uses simple markers at frequented locations in the hall so that the system has a global reference from time to time. This makes the installation of the system simple and commissioning uncomplicated, as no map has to be created. Only some markers are needed and the environment can change at any time without affecting the localization.

Market relevance
Every intralogistics vehicle providing power supply and a mounting option can be equipped with the SYNAOS IMS – Vehicle Localization, enabling precise localization in real time. Thereby, complete fleets can be digitized retrospectively. The system increases the efficiency of fleets and saves costs. The market for this solution is therefore huge: In 2020, about 1.5 million forklifts were produced. In addition, there is a correspondingly high number of already existing vehicles in the field. But very few of these vehicles already have their position recorded, nor are they digitally mapped.

Upgrading manual transport systems with the localization solution from SYNAOS is also highly relevant for the mixed operation of autonomous and manually guided vehicles. The entirety of transport orders for intralogistics can be controlled precisely and more efficiently. In addition, autonomous guided vehicles can be better controlled with known positions of the manually guided vehicles. For example, they can be slowed down when a forklift comes close, avoiding an emergency stop at an intersection. Enabling or improving the mixed operation of manual and autonomous vehicles also supports the gradual automation of intralogistics processes.

Main customer benefits
Customers benefit from easy-to-use, real-time localization for any intralogistics vehicle. However, SYNAOS IMS – Vehicle Localization is not only quickly installed, but also easy on the budget. Despite a comparatively low price, the solution achieves a very high accuracy. The position of the vehicle is calculated by strong computer vision algorithms from the images of the camera. Apart from an accelerometer, no other input sources are required. The complex creation of a map is also not necessary, since SYNAOS IMS – Vehicle Localization additionally uses simple markers for orientation, which are placed approximately every 100 meters in the environment. The solution is therefore extremely flexible and can be used in any intralogistics scenario.

All image processing takes place locally on the embedded computer – no sensitive data needs to be transferred to the cloud. The image data captured by the camera is immediately discarded after processing. Furthermore, communication is always transparent and future-proof thanks to compatibility with a standardized industrial interface.

Summary

The position of forklifts and other manually guided vehicles in intralogistics is usually unknown. This is now changing with SYNAOS IMS – Vehicle Localization: A camera-based sensor kit for the cost-efficient localization of manually guided intralogistics vehicles. SYNAOS uses state-of-the-art computer vision technology as enabler for its accurate and robust location system that is easy to install and scale.

CLICK HERE to watch a video.

IFOY TEST REPORT

What good is all the digitalisation if there are always “blind spots” in the company. One such blind spot is the fact that most of the forklift trucks that drive around in companies are still controlled manually and are therefore not digitised or only rudimentarily digitised. With the SYNAOS IMS – Vehicle Localisation system, a camera-based sensor kit ensures their cost-efficient localisation – using state-of-the-art computer vision technology.

SYNAOS is a software company, but has decided to build a small hardware. A small black box (19 x 12 x 6 centimetres) can be found at the demo set-up in Hall 3 of the Dortmund Trade Fair. It is screwed onto a child’s forklift and projects its images onto a screen.

The manufacturer has dedicated itself to eliminating the gaps in the localisation of manually controlled industrial trucks of all kinds: So it’s all about indoor localisation of industrial trucks. 95 per cent of companies have forklifts in use, but they are rarely well integrated into the value chain: Currently, only the transport order is digital; the forklifts themselves are not digitalised. As a result, there is no knowledge of where a forklift is located. There are forklift localisation technologies, but they are often not used. There is a reason for this: ultra-wideband or lidar technology are simply too expensive. Speaking of lidar: the system is already too accurate, as if one were shooting at sparrows with cannons.

With the new system from SYNAOS, which works with so-called “markers”, a Localisation-as-a-Service (LaaS) tool, it’s different: Everything is already included in the price and the detection comes to an accuracy of about 25 centimetres. So it’s not just about the “little box” on the test set. For 1,980 euros a year per truck, that would be relatively low costs for admittedly standardised electronic components that can easily be bought at electronics stores: But the intelligence is in the software – plug and play.

You can create transparency in a flash with SYNAOS IMS – Vehicle Localisation: Where in the warehouse is busy? What are the braking distances? Where are people driving around without a driving order? Even the truck that is always running late can now finally be pointed out. In short: you can observe the fleet utilisation exactly. And a very big USP compared to the conventional storage method is that the forklift only reports the position where it has driven a pallet; scanning the pallet or the products on it is no longer necessary.

SYNAOS expects CE certification in a few weeks. The already mentioned indoor accuracy of 25 centimetres is achieved with markers every 100 metres. The “little black box” operates with a power consumption of 7 watts and transmits its camera data – 15 images per second – via WiFi for evaluation using computer vision algorithms. Apart from an acceleration sensor, no other input sources are required. In times of increasingly important cybersecurity, this is perhaps not entirely unimportant: the entire image processing of the system takes place locally on the embedded computer; no sensitive data need to be transferred to a cloud. After the camera’s image data has been processed, it is immediately discarded.

IFOY Test Verdict

The simple real-time localisation of all types of industrial trucks with the help of this very convincing localisation system helps customers on their way to the complete digitalisation of intralogistics. It is very easy to record fleet utilisation, but also to create heat maps for critical points in the warehouse or optimise warehouse layouts. The basic tenor: inexpensive hardware works together with intelligent software. Every industrial truck with a power supply and a mounting option can be equipped with the SYNAOS IMS – Vehicle Localisation sensor kit – a huge market.

IFOY INNOVATION CHECK

Market relevance: The localisation system was developed in order to retrofit forklifts with a sufficiently accurate, cost-effective and scalable solution for position tracking and to integrate it into digital control processes. With an annual production of approximately 1.5 million forklift trucks and a minimum service life of 10 years, there is a very large market with a high demand for digitalisation of all players in the warehouse, also driven by the trend towards mixed operation with AGVs.

Customer benefit: Users benefit from the fast set-up, almost without adapting the infrastructure, as well as the easy usability of the system. As a result, the solution scales from quantity 1 without significant investment costs, as it is offered as Localisation-as-a-Service at a reasonable price. In use, SYNAOS enables the user to perform statistical analyses for fleet utilisation and process optimisation, digital order control and monitoring, optimised driving behaviour of AGVs in mixed operation, navigation of forklifts in the warehouse as well as automatic scanning processes for goods booking. Unlike compact UWB (ultra-wideband) systems, however, SYNAOS can only locate vehicles, not people.

Novelty: The localisation of intralogistic vehicles on the basis of visual odometry, i.e. relative localisation via stereo vision with occasional absolute referencing via markers, is a novelty in the industry. However, the technology itself is not completely new and has already proven itself in autonomous driving. Advantages over the usual laser scanner-based methods with a map are the lower costs as well as the simplicity and robustness of the approach even in highly dynamic environments. Compared to UWB-based solutions, the advantage lies in the low need for adaptation of the infrastructure and the low investment costs. The innovation value consists in a solution that is appropriately balanced between localisation accuracy (approx. 25 centimetres) and costs.

Functionality / type of implementation: The solid test setup of the sensor kit with integrated computing unit convincingly demonstrated the functionality of the system. The energy-efficient retrofit kit requires only a power supply and can be integrated via the WiFi infrastructure. SYNAOS offers its own order and fleet management, but can also connect to other systems via VDA 5050. The operating interfaces are user-centred and the closed sensor system does not disclose any images to the outside for data protection reasons, but will enable new additional functions in the future. It is still not clear how much maintenance is required with regard to contamination of the camera sensors.

Verdict: The forklift market is a lucrative market for SYNAOS in the long term. The customer benefit is high due to improved order status information, statistics and optimised traffic flow guidance. The novelty of the reliably and robustly implemented plug&play system is given in logistics.

market relevance ++
customer benefit +
novelty +
functionality / type of implementation ++
[++ very good / + good / Ø balanced / – less / – – not available]

For an overview of all the finalists, visit www.ifoy.org

CLICK HERE to find out more about SYNAOS.

IFOY FINALIST FOCUS: SYNAOS IMS Vehicle Localization

Continuing with our run-through of each of the IFOY Award nominated finalists ahead of the winners announcement on 30th June at BMW World, we look at the SYNAOS IMS Vehicle Localization solution from SYNAOS.

IFOY Category: Special of the Year

Description

The seamless localization of transport vehicles is one of the most important steps towards fully digitized, highly efficient intralogistics. As soon as the position of every manually guided vehicle is known at all times, numerous new potentials arise: Important KPIs such as fleet utilization can be recorded, heat maps can be created and layouts can be optimized. In addition, drivers can be navigated optimally through production facilities and logistics centres, with delays being detected at an early stage. Furthermore, flexible, near real-time transport order planning can be realized. Also scan-free processes are made possible in this way, further simplifying workflows.

However, so far these and other use cases are not or only very rarely implemented – previous localization solutions are simply too expensive and it is not possible to achieve any savings. SYNAOS therefore pursues a modern approach: Intelligent software combined with cost-effective hardware allows precise and robust vehicle localization. For this purpose the sensor kit, which holds a stereo camera and a powerful embedded computer, is attached to the vehicles. This comparatively inexpensive combination enables the implementation of many use cases that were previously unprofitable.

Innovation
Current approaches for localizing vehicles in intralogistics are based on UWB (ultra wide band) or LIDAR (light detection and ranging). However, both techniques are associated with high costs – they require high and long-term investments. UWB requires a huge infrastructure investment and is very difficult to change or extend. In addition, the accuracy of localization depends on the illumination on site. LIDAR on the other side is achieving a very high accuracy. But this is not necessary for 95 percent of the applications in intralogistics. Another disadvantage is the high commissioning effort, because a map has to be created first.

SYNAOS IMS – Vehicle Localization, on the other hand, uses cameras and a technology called “visual odometry”. This technology is known from the fields of robotics and autonomous driving and is applied in logistics for the first time according to SYNAOS. In addition, SYNAOS uses simple markers at frequented locations in the hall so that the system has a global reference from time to time. This makes the installation of the system simple and commissioning uncomplicated, as no map has to be created. Only some markers are needed and the environment can change at any time without affecting the localization.

Market relevance
Every intralogistics vehicle providing power supply and a mounting option can be equipped with the SYNAOS IMS – Vehicle Localization, enabling precise localization in real time. Thereby, complete fleets can be digitized retrospectively. The system increases the efficiency of fleets and saves costs. The market for this solution is therefore huge: In 2020, about 1.5 million forklifts were produced. In addition, there is a correspondingly high number of already existing vehicles in the field. But very few of these vehicles already have their position recorded, nor are they digitally mapped.

Upgrading manual transport systems with the localization solution from SYNAOS is also highly relevant for the mixed operation of autonomous and manually guided vehicles. The entirety of transport orders for intralogistics can be controlled precisely and more efficiently. In addition, autonomous guided vehicles can be better controlled with known positions of the manually guided vehicles. For example, they can be slowed down when a forklift comes close, avoiding an emergency stop at an intersection. Enabling or improving the mixed operation of manual and autonomous vehicles also supports the gradual automation of intralogistics processes.

Main customer benefits
Customers benefit from easy-to-use, real-time localization for any intralogistics vehicle. However, SYNAOS IMS – Vehicle Localization is not only quickly installed, but also easy on the budget. Despite a comparatively low price, the solution achieves a very high accuracy. The position of the vehicle is calculated by strong computer vision algorithms from the images of the camera. Apart from an accelerometer, no other input sources are required. The complex creation of a map is also not necessary, since SYNAOS IMS – Vehicle Localization additionally uses simple markers for orientation, which are placed approximately every 100 meters in the environment. The solution is therefore extremely flexible and can be used in any intralogistics scenario.

All image processing takes place locally on the embedded computer – no sensitive data needs to be transferred to the cloud. The image data captured by the camera is immediately discarded after processing. Furthermore, communication is always transparent and future-proof thanks to compatibility with a standardized industrial interface.

Summary

The position of forklifts and other manually guided vehicles in intralogistics is usually unknown. This is now changing with SYNAOS IMS – Vehicle Localization: A camera-based sensor kit for the cost-efficient localization of manually guided intralogistics vehicles. SYNAOS uses state-of-the-art computer vision technology as enabler for its accurate and robust location system that is easy to install and scale.

CLICK HERE to watch a video.

IFOY TEST REPORT

What good is all the digitalisation if there are always “blind spots” in the company. One such blind spot is the fact that most of the forklift trucks that drive around in companies are still controlled manually and are therefore not digitised or only rudimentarily digitised. With the SYNAOS IMS – Vehicle Localisation system, a camera-based sensor kit ensures their cost-efficient localisation – using state-of-the-art computer vision technology.

SYNAOS is a software company, but has decided to build a small hardware. A small black box (19 x 12 x 6 centimetres) can be found at the demo set-up in Hall 3 of the Dortmund Trade Fair. It is screwed onto a child’s forklift and projects its images onto a screen.

The manufacturer has dedicated itself to eliminating the gaps in the localisation of manually controlled industrial trucks of all kinds: So it’s all about indoor localisation of industrial trucks. 95 per cent of companies have forklifts in use, but they are rarely well integrated into the value chain: Currently, only the transport order is digital; the forklifts themselves are not digitalised. As a result, there is no knowledge of where a forklift is located. There are forklift localisation technologies, but they are often not used. There is a reason for this: ultra-wideband or lidar technology are simply too expensive. Speaking of lidar: the system is already too accurate, as if one were shooting at sparrows with cannons.

With the new system from SYNAOS, which works with so-called “markers”, a Localisation-as-a-Service (LaaS) tool, it’s different: Everything is already included in the price and the detection comes to an accuracy of about 25 centimetres. So it’s not just about the “little box” on the test set. For 1,980 euros a year per truck, that would be relatively low costs for admittedly standardised electronic components that can easily be bought at electronics stores: But the intelligence is in the software – plug and play.

You can create transparency in a flash with SYNAOS IMS – Vehicle Localisation: Where in the warehouse is busy? What are the braking distances? Where are people driving around without a driving order? Even the truck that is always running late can now finally be pointed out. In short: you can observe the fleet utilisation exactly. And a very big USP compared to the conventional storage method is that the forklift only reports the position where it has driven a pallet; scanning the pallet or the products on it is no longer necessary.

SYNAOS expects CE certification in a few weeks. The already mentioned indoor accuracy of 25 centimetres is achieved with markers every 100 metres. The “little black box” operates with a power consumption of 7 watts and transmits its camera data – 15 images per second – via WiFi for evaluation using computer vision algorithms. Apart from an acceleration sensor, no other input sources are required. In times of increasingly important cybersecurity, this is perhaps not entirely unimportant: the entire image processing of the system takes place locally on the embedded computer; no sensitive data need to be transferred to a cloud. After the camera’s image data has been processed, it is immediately discarded.

IFOY Test Verdict

The simple real-time localisation of all types of industrial trucks with the help of this very convincing localisation system helps customers on their way to the complete digitalisation of intralogistics. It is very easy to record fleet utilisation, but also to create heat maps for critical points in the warehouse or optimise warehouse layouts. The basic tenor: inexpensive hardware works together with intelligent software. Every industrial truck with a power supply and a mounting option can be equipped with the SYNAOS IMS – Vehicle Localisation sensor kit – a huge market.

IFOY INNOVATION CHECK

Market relevance: The localisation system was developed in order to retrofit forklifts with a sufficiently accurate, cost-effective and scalable solution for position tracking and to integrate it into digital control processes. With an annual production of approximately 1.5 million forklift trucks and a minimum service life of 10 years, there is a very large market with a high demand for digitalisation of all players in the warehouse, also driven by the trend towards mixed operation with AGVs.

Customer benefit: Users benefit from the fast set-up, almost without adapting the infrastructure, as well as the easy usability of the system. As a result, the solution scales from quantity 1 without significant investment costs, as it is offered as Localisation-as-a-Service at a reasonable price. In use, SYNAOS enables the user to perform statistical analyses for fleet utilisation and process optimisation, digital order control and monitoring, optimised driving behaviour of AGVs in mixed operation, navigation of forklifts in the warehouse as well as automatic scanning processes for goods booking. Unlike compact UWB (ultra-wideband) systems, however, SYNAOS can only locate vehicles, not people.

Novelty: The localisation of intralogistic vehicles on the basis of visual odometry, i.e. relative localisation via stereo vision with occasional absolute referencing via markers, is a novelty in the industry. However, the technology itself is not completely new and has already proven itself in autonomous driving. Advantages over the usual laser scanner-based methods with a map are the lower costs as well as the simplicity and robustness of the approach even in highly dynamic environments. Compared to UWB-based solutions, the advantage lies in the low need for adaptation of the infrastructure and the low investment costs. The innovation value consists in a solution that is appropriately balanced between localisation accuracy (approx. 25 centimetres) and costs.

Functionality / type of implementation: The solid test setup of the sensor kit with integrated computing unit convincingly demonstrated the functionality of the system. The energy-efficient retrofit kit requires only a power supply and can be integrated via the WiFi infrastructure. SYNAOS offers its own order and fleet management, but can also connect to other systems via VDA 5050. The operating interfaces are user-centred and the closed sensor system does not disclose any images to the outside for data protection reasons, but will enable new additional functions in the future. It is still not clear how much maintenance is required with regard to contamination of the camera sensors.

Verdict: The forklift market is a lucrative market for SYNAOS in the long term. The customer benefit is high due to improved order status information, statistics and optimised traffic flow guidance. The novelty of the reliably and robustly implemented plug&play system is given in logistics.

market relevance ++
customer benefit +
novelty +
functionality / type of implementation ++
[++ very good / + good / Ø balanced / – less / – – not available]

For an overview of all the finalists, visit www.ifoy.org

CLICK HERE to find out more about SYNAOS.

Improved customer service with Beumer Smart Glasses

If faults and downtimes occur in machines and companies are unable to rectify them as quickly as possible, this can be expensive for them. With the Beumer Smart Glasses, the Beumer Group has developed a pioneering product that helps users to avoid precisely this quickly and easily: Beumer Customer Support employees look over the shoulder of the customer’s service technician virtually and solve the problem together with him. Remote commissioning is also possible.

The employee at the machine puts on the glasses and starts the Beumer Support App via voice command. He transmits a service number and a pin code to the hotline, and the connection with image and sound is established securely. The Beumer technician receives the same image that the customer sees. This means that he can give him instructions directly and display all relevant information in the field of vision.

The employee has both hands free to follow the expert’s instructions and perform the necessary actions. In this way, faults can be solved quickly and precisely – at any time. Beumer experts are available around the clock, seven days a week. Language barriers or a lack of specialist knowledge are therefore no longer relevant when troubleshooting. Based on the recorded images, the experts can better clarify with the operator why the fault occurred in the first place.

With the digital solution, customers can not only be helped in case of malfunctions or downtimes of existing plants. Remote maintenance is also possible, in which Beumer experts connect to the system – regardless of the time or day. This increases the availability of the machines, as no long journeys are required. In addition, there is the option of remote commissioning: The Corona pandemic is massively changing the travel behaviour. Due to travel restrictions, the technicians cannot always be on site. Nevertheless, it is important to get new machines up and running quickly.

The data goggles allow an overview of the entire system: Beumer Customer Support sees the same as the wearer on site and can directly prescribe the correct actions. In this way, he guides the user step by step through commissioning. The Beumer experts can react flexibly with this procedure.

 

Improved customer service with Beumer Smart Glasses

If faults and downtimes occur in machines and companies are unable to rectify them as quickly as possible, this can be expensive for them. With the Beumer Smart Glasses, the Beumer Group has developed a pioneering product that helps users to avoid precisely this quickly and easily: Beumer Customer Support employees look over the shoulder of the customer’s service technician virtually and solve the problem together with him. Remote commissioning is also possible.

The employee at the machine puts on the glasses and starts the Beumer Support App via voice command. He transmits a service number and a pin code to the hotline, and the connection with image and sound is established securely. The Beumer technician receives the same image that the customer sees. This means that he can give him instructions directly and display all relevant information in the field of vision.

The employee has both hands free to follow the expert’s instructions and perform the necessary actions. In this way, faults can be solved quickly and precisely – at any time. Beumer experts are available around the clock, seven days a week. Language barriers or a lack of specialist knowledge are therefore no longer relevant when troubleshooting. Based on the recorded images, the experts can better clarify with the operator why the fault occurred in the first place.

With the digital solution, customers can not only be helped in case of malfunctions or downtimes of existing plants. Remote maintenance is also possible, in which Beumer experts connect to the system – regardless of the time or day. This increases the availability of the machines, as no long journeys are required. In addition, there is the option of remote commissioning: The Corona pandemic is massively changing the travel behaviour. Due to travel restrictions, the technicians cannot always be on site. Nevertheless, it is important to get new machines up and running quickly.

The data goggles allow an overview of the entire system: Beumer Customer Support sees the same as the wearer on site and can directly prescribe the correct actions. In this way, he guides the user step by step through commissioning. The Beumer experts can react flexibly with this procedure.

 

Walbusch first to use OSCA DC software

The Walbusch Group has taken a decisive step forward in modernising its infrastructure as well as IT applications: Since the end of 2021, the Solingen-based company has been using Setlog‘s cloud-based SCM software OSCA DC (Digital Core) to gain transparency and improve management, collaboration, and communication in the supply chain.

What makes it special: Walbusch is the first Setlog customer to rely on the new standard product version of OSCA. This means that the processes of the Walbusch, Avena and Mey&Edlich brands were adapted to best practice workflows from OSCA – and not vice versa. This way, the group bypassed costly, customer-specific adjustments in the OSCA SCM software. The advantage: Above all, in addition to costs, the company saved time. Less than six months passed from the initial contact to the software’s go-live.

“We definitely wanted to avoid customer-specific adaptations and were able to bring transparency to the supply chain within a few months with the new software generation. We can inform our most important suppliers of changes in real time via a single tool. Emails, phone calls, and Excel spreadsheets are now a thing of the past,” reports Ralf Seggering, Head of IT and member of the management team at Walbusch.

Currently, the main suppliers are integrated into the system. In addition to other suppliers, forwarding agents of the Walbusch Group will also be connected to the software. “We are convinced that the Walbusch example will set a precedent – also in other industries. Because in volatile times, there is no alternative to an agile, digital value chain. The digital supply chain based on OSCA is based on three values: simplicity, transparency, and control,” emphasises Guido Brackelsberg, member of the board of Setlog.

According to IT project manager Thomas Betzhold, the user-friendliness, the attractive best-practice offering and Setlog’s SCM expertise in the fashion industry tipped the scales in favour of the Bochum-based software provider when it came to selecting a system. “We are convinced that OSCA’s new software generation is also a very good prerequisite for the migration project of the Ravenna-Park logistics center,” says Betzhold.

Background

Christian Busch, majority shareholder of Walbusch, acquired the logistics centre from Gerry Weber in 2021. Since then, planning has been underway for the integration of the large-scale facility in Halle/Westphalia.

Whether men’s shirts, women’s blouses, or outdoor jackets: Walbusch offers a wide range of goods online as well as in its 42 stores and through other channels. The articles are mostly produced in Europe, but also in the Far East. They are stored centrally in Solingen in a distribution centre with more than 350,000 storage locations. Walbusch transmits orders to its suppliers from the ERP system via OSCA. The SCM software acts as a central communication and processing tool in the supply chain. The software is used for numerous purposes – including:

the placement of purchase orders

monitoring, controlling, and tracking of orders

as a network between customer, supplier, carrier, and warehouse locations

for digital collaboration

for managing delivery parameters such as timing and mode of transport

and as a database for important documents such as customs-related paperwork.

A KPI dashboard visualises key metrics for employees working with the solution. As soon as delivery data changes, all partners in the supply chain are informed simultaneously. More than three million shipments will pass through the system each year.

Ralf Seggering is very satisfied with the progress of the project so far: “It was a prime example of agile project work and a blueprint for our IT strategy: we are modernizing our entire IT infrastructure based on our own ERP core and department-specific best-of-breed solutions.”

Seggering is already planning further steps in IT. The OSCA CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) module is also being considered for the future. The company, with its more than 1,000 employees, will be well prepared for the implementation of the new German Supply Chain Due Diligence Law, which will come into force in 2023, says the IT division manager.

 

Caja and Hörmann Logistik announce partnership

Caja Robotics, a leader in robotic and flexible goods-to-person solutions for order fulfilment, and Hörmann Logistik, a leading German-based logistics integrator for innovative warehouse logistics solutions, have announced a new partnership.

The partnership is focusing on close cooperation in offering and implementing warehouse solutions starting with the German, Austrian and Swiss markets. With access to the innovative and smart warehouse technology by Caja Robotics, Hörmann Logistik is now able to enhance its offering portfolio to customers.

Caja Robotics’ solutions are designed to serve the special needs of most efficient and scalable warehousing operations. One of the key benefits is that the Caja solution is very flexible, scalable while maintaining high throughput. It can be easily implemented and adapts itself to the warehouse, its structures and equipment. Therefore, brownfield and dynamically growing warehouses could benefit from the solution.

Caja’s flexible systems have proven their benefits for key verticals such as fashion, e-grocery, industrial and logistics service providers (3PL), offering support for critical activities such as e-commerce and omnichannel logistics. The smart warehouse technology easily adapts to existing infrastructure and is flexible enough to handle peaks in sales. Caja’s fulfilment system consists of the company’s own software, specialized robots, and user-friendly workstations. With Caja’s advanced AI-powered software, the robots move bins between workstations and inventory, constantly optimizing goods management and the overall warehouse operation.

Oliver Vujčić, Managing Director of Hörmann Logistik, commented the new partnership: “Our new partnership with Caja Robotics solutions fits perfectly into our ‘Robotic-Driven Dynamics’ strategy. Considering the growing demand of our customers for easy, flexible and scalable warehousing solutions, we are very happy to add this flexible and modular robotic solution in our robotic solutions portfolio. Hörmann Logistik is well-known for selecting the best technological solution to meet the customer’s needs.

We are convinced of the benefits and performance of Caja Robotics’ solutions, so that we are very much looking forward to generating traction.”

Hanna Yanovsky, General Manager & CRO at Caja Robotics, regards the cooperation with Hörmann as an important milestone for Caja’s expansion in Europe: “Hörmann Logistik’s deep expertise in designing warehouse solutions in demanding environments. Their strong and extensive sales network and professional engineering services will make sure that our innovative and smart technology will find its way to the market in the DACH countries and bring its benefits to the customers. The cooperation will also leverage both parties’ capabilities. We are excited about the partnership and the opportunities to come.”

Caja and Hörmann Logistik announce partnership

Caja Robotics, a leader in robotic and flexible goods-to-person solutions for order fulfilment, and Hörmann Logistik, a leading German-based logistics integrator for innovative warehouse logistics solutions, have announced a new partnership.

The partnership is focusing on close cooperation in offering and implementing warehouse solutions starting with the German, Austrian and Swiss markets. With access to the innovative and smart warehouse technology by Caja Robotics, Hörmann Logistik is now able to enhance its offering portfolio to customers.

Caja Robotics’ solutions are designed to serve the special needs of most efficient and scalable warehousing operations. One of the key benefits is that the Caja solution is very flexible, scalable while maintaining high throughput. It can be easily implemented and adapts itself to the warehouse, its structures and equipment. Therefore, brownfield and dynamically growing warehouses could benefit from the solution.

Caja’s flexible systems have proven their benefits for key verticals such as fashion, e-grocery, industrial and logistics service providers (3PL), offering support for critical activities such as e-commerce and omnichannel logistics. The smart warehouse technology easily adapts to existing infrastructure and is flexible enough to handle peaks in sales. Caja’s fulfilment system consists of the company’s own software, specialized robots, and user-friendly workstations. With Caja’s advanced AI-powered software, the robots move bins between workstations and inventory, constantly optimizing goods management and the overall warehouse operation.

Oliver Vujčić, Managing Director of Hörmann Logistik, commented the new partnership: “Our new partnership with Caja Robotics solutions fits perfectly into our ‘Robotic-Driven Dynamics’ strategy. Considering the growing demand of our customers for easy, flexible and scalable warehousing solutions, we are very happy to add this flexible and modular robotic solution in our robotic solutions portfolio. Hörmann Logistik is well-known for selecting the best technological solution to meet the customer’s needs.

We are convinced of the benefits and performance of Caja Robotics’ solutions, so that we are very much looking forward to generating traction.”

Hanna Yanovsky, General Manager & CRO at Caja Robotics, regards the cooperation with Hörmann as an important milestone for Caja’s expansion in Europe: “Hörmann Logistik’s deep expertise in designing warehouse solutions in demanding environments. Their strong and extensive sales network and professional engineering services will make sure that our innovative and smart technology will find its way to the market in the DACH countries and bring its benefits to the customers. The cooperation will also leverage both parties’ capabilities. We are excited about the partnership and the opportunities to come.”

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