A new app on 18 mobile devices serves all central functions - the Savanna.NET CrossClient. "By switching from the software predecessor PMain to Savanna, we also introduced the latest mobile technologies - we achieved this goal in nine months of intensive project work," says Andreas Plantholt, the responsible project manager at Westfalia. "The realization of the basic functionalities, the architecture and the connection to our Savanna.NET was carried out in close coordination with Swissmill, both in-house and on site, from the offer to commissioning." Westfalia relies on its experience in high-bay warehouse logistics and its specialist knowledge of mobile applications. The warehouse system with a new "nervous system" was launched at the beginning of September 2020. "The Savanna.NET CrossClient is installed on handheld computers with the Android operating system." However, it also runs on other common operating systems such as Apple's iOS. The devices for an industrial environment communicate with Savanna via the company's own WLAN. "They have 1D and 2D imagers for scanning barcodes and touchscreens. They can be operated like a smartphone," explains Plantholt.

Secure decentralized access without incorrect entries
A user logs in on one of the 18 mobile devices registered for the app. From goods receipt to goods issue, they use one device without any data being accessed on the network. The system is thus protected against external interference, but can be operated decentrally. The operator scans the pallet and the source conveyor to determine the storage area in which it is to be stored and is guided intuitively through the submenus and selection lists. "We deliberately opted for large control panels," explains Martin Wißmann, Project Manager in the Customer Support & Modernization team at Westfalia. "The large selection list fields prevent people from tapping on the wrong areas. No superfluous design, but a high level of operating safety." Wißmann programmed the Savanna.NET CrossClient and its interface for the project, while the Savanna.NET product development team built the framework beforehand. This can be tailored to all customer requirements.

All central intralogistics functions in one app
At Swissmill, these are eleven central intralogistics functions. Operators can store the pallet in a high-bay warehouse, pass it through or book it out for block storage or the pool. They have the option of picking, dispatching and instructing truck loading. In addition, half pallets can be bundled, faults can be displayed in real time, and the fault clearance can be instructed and acknowledged. Employees use the mobile device to order pallets, have them transferred to external warehouses and carry out inventories. Other Android and iOS devices can also be integrated.
The user interface is responsive. Wißmann: "With the Savanna.NET CrossClient, it is much easier to provide additional information - such as color codes for the status of pallets - on different screen sizes. We can map extensive, complex warehouse logistics business processes, use native functions of various mobile devices and operating systems as well as powerful code libraries and connect them to Savanna.NET. All this with scanners for barcodes, QR codes or NFC chips. All data is easily transferred to the backend and processed there." Incorrect entries are significantly reduced.

Rapid commissioning at Swissmill
Nicholas Müller, who is responsible for the transportation of piece goods at Swissmill, supervised the commissioning there. "The primary aim was to replace the old devices with the latest technology and to be prepared for future challenges," says Müller enthusiastically. "The larger screen allows for more detailed displays where necessary, and we can work with QR codes. The devices are more robust. We have been working in partnership with Westfalia for more than three decades. We had the predecessor system, so it was only natural to carry out this project with them as well. The collaboration is characterized by Westfalia's many years of experience and solution orientation."

"There are many ideas hidden in the platform," says Wißmann. "Messages from Savanna to the company cell phone, shipment tracking, a statistics area for capacity utilization, a VPN network or a chat system to use the Savanna.NET CrossClient for order pickers or dispatchers. Damage can be recorded immediately via camera and remote scan and reported back to the customer." The system is open to further developments and makes Swissmill intralogistics future-proof for years to come.