mfl: Where and with what do you start when it comes to the idea of modernization?

Michael Huhn: The first thing to do is to define a goal. Should performance be increased? Is a company-wide standardization of systems required? Will processes change? Or is the existing system "simply" to be brought up to the latest state of the art? A thorough inventory then forms the basis for the retrofit. What still works well and where are the bottlenecks? Both the technology (conveyor technology, controls and IT systems) and the logistics processes should be considered. Particular attention should also be paid to the issue of safety technology.

mfl: What advice do you have for the logistics managers among our readers?

Huhn: Retrofitting is a matter of trust. Ask the partner with whom you want to carry out this modernization project to explain exactly how the modernization will proceed, i.e. how you will move from the old to the new system. Regardless of whether it is a multi-stage conversion or a "big bang": it is important that each conversion step is transparent and well prepared for all parties. This also means that all software must be thoroughly tested before it is installed. Time-consuming troubleshooting during ongoing operations is every logistics manager's nightmare.

mfl: Which of your company's products or services comes to mind first when you think of modernization?

Huhn: Unitechnik has a lot of experience with complex modernization projects. Two aspects are often of particular importance here. The first is planning expertise. We moderate the target definition, carry out a detailed inventory, develop a solution concept and work out a changeover scenario together with the customer. Secondly, comprehensive testing is essential. Here, Unitechnik relies on the digital twin of the logistics system. An emulation is created for the existing system that behaves in exactly the same way as the real system. This allows both the control software and the company's own UniWare WMS to be thoroughly tested. With the corresponding order data from the ERP system, for example, an entire day can be run in fast motion.