mfl: What content/technical developments in programming/new approaches will have the biggest impact on your product in 2019?
Bennemann: In terms of content, we will be looking at data analysis. In terms of technology, we want to further conquer the smart phone world and offer mobile applications for audio-visual user guidance during picking and storage. This will provide customers with decisive cost and flexibility benefits.

Two questions to: Wilfried Pfuhl, Member of the Board of inconso AG

Wilfried Pfuhl © Inconso

materialfluss: What are the key features for a modern warehouse management system?
WilfriedPfuhl: Advancing digitalization is helping logistics to make a further leap in innovation. The use of a modern warehouse management system is the linchpin in leveraging the corresponding potential. Modern solutions naturally cover the functional requirements to the highest degree in order to optimally support all receiving, storage, picking and delivery processes. The aim is to make the best possible use of available warehouse capacities. Adaptability in the design of business processes must be in the DNA of the warehouse management system. However, in order to be prepared for the requirements on the way to the "smart warehouse", warehouse management systems must be able to do much more. Using the diverse features of mobile devices is only the first step towards enabling the realization of IoT scenarios in manually operated warehouses. These scenarios can now be further optimized with voice terminals, voice assistants and the connection of sensors. With increasing automation in warehouses, the integrated control of these components is becoming a key feature. The material flow can be tracked in detail in real time. The available data now forms the basis for controlling logistics processes using control stations. Modern analysis options, artificial intelligence and machine learning can now also be used to significantly improve the planning of future processing. Another key feature of modern warehouse management systems is the ability to exchange data transparently - even across multiple supply chain participants. Cloud-based systems can help to transparently present processes to various partners across the entire supply chain. The data can then be accessed at any time along the supply chain.

mfl: What content/technical developments in programming/new approaches will have the greatest impact on your product in 2019?

Pfuhl: The further process integration between production, warehouse and transportation right up to the last mile will be a key focus of the further development of the inconso Logistics Suite. On the way to the "smart warehouse", the connection of autonomous mobile robots is another area of development. However, the main focus will be on utilizing the possibilities of artificial intelligence via additional use cases in order to make the systems more efficient in planning and controlling the key processes in the warehouse. New releases of the products and add-ons will be prepared for cloud operation.

Simon Thomas © Dr. Thomas and Partner

Two questions for: Simon Thomas, Managing Director Dr. Thomas and Partner

materialfluss: What are the key features for a modern warehouse management system?
Simon Thomas: At TUP, we always strive to create a customized solution for the customer. In my opinion, there is no so-called 'standard' in the world of IT-supported solutions for highly automated warehouses. Everyone wants to customize their processes with individual functionalities and ideas and maintain their project freedom. TUP is a software manufacturer. In other words, the customer does not get what is already available on the market; he gets exactly what he actually needs. And the way to get there describes an intensive exchange of possible framework conditions, processes, parameters and performance figures as well as the customer's expectations. In the end, the customer receives not just a solution, but their solution, which undoubtedly includes key features such as multi-warehouse capability, internationalization, a short implementation window, data warehouse tools (smart data, artificial intelligence), long-term maintainability, including further development of the software without having to bend the system and the possibility of continuous adaptation to changing processes - also because our software has a high degree of parameterization capability. Keyword parameterization. It is now a customer requirement. In this respect, we first try to understand the customer's processes, free them from complexities where necessary and simplify them. Nevertheless, the standardized process parameters are of course supplemented by the individual parameters mentioned above in all projects. And customizing standard software in particular always carries the risk that the entire system is no longer release-capable. The end of the story: the customer has to replace their system with a new system in a very short space of time simply because their level of customization has exceeded the limits of their standard software.

mfl: What content/technical developments in programming/new approaches will have the greatest impact on your product in 2019?
Thomas: In the age of AI, internationalization and cloud computing, we have already reacted and adapted our software to the new circumstances. However, our customers want process-oriented solutions, i.e. software that is precisely tailored to the respective work step. We will not only continue to develop our WMS and MFR software in 2019; we will also continue to improve individual modules, known as TUP features. For example, we are already using artificial intelligence to solve problems in individual optimization processes, such as picking. We also rely on mathematics and use so-called meta-heuristics from the lessons of mathematical optimization processes. These are iterative and intelligent algorithms that specify solution steps depending on the problem and lead to good solutions in a reasonable amount of time. Our TUP feature TUP-Connect, which enables simultaneous communication between different systems (host/ERP system shipping system) and the TUP.WMS, should also be emphasized. And the systems mentioned can work with different technologies: Whether SOAP endpoint, FTP endpoint or database endpoint - TUP-Connect supports every common technology for data or information exchange. Also worth mentioning: Thanks to detailed planning and stringent project management, our customers can rely on short and almost trouble-free time windows within a TUP rollout.

Hartmut Braun © PSI Logistics

Two questions for: Hartmut Braun, Head of Business Development PSI Logistic

materialfluss: What are the key features for a modern warehouse management system?
Hartmut Braun: The state-of-the-art key features of warehouse management systems (WMS) are defined in VDI 3601. It distinguishes between indispensable core functions and additional functions of WMS. The additional functions are aimed at cross-sectional functions such as multi-client capability and multi-site capability or functions that organize and facilitate the usual day-to-day business in larger transshipment or distribution warehouses. These include, for example, forklift guidance systems (SLS) for route-optimized control of internal transports as well as functions for resource planning, efficient dock and yard management and time slot control instruments. PSI Logistics covers the core and additional functions with PSIwms. In addition to the additional functions provided for in VDI 3601, PSIwms offers a wide range of other functionalities. These include options for localizing vehicles, transport units and order destinations in the warehouse or in the yard. This allows transports to be acknowledged automatically and without further scanning as soon as the transport unit or forklift truck has reached its destination. Fuzzy Logic is integrated into PSIwms with the "Adaptive order start" optimization function. Using fuzzy logic algorithms, the adaptive order start in PSIwms automatically adapts the system control and utilization continuously to changing conditions in dynamic and complex environments.

To improve performance in the warehouse, the adaptive order start automatically triggers order processing according to priority or workload, for example, or holds back the processing of orders. This ensures that the work areas are evenly utilized, taking into account all defined restrictions - from resource capacities to optimum energy consumption. PSIwms' integrated, electronic time slot control and slot management with gate allocation extend beyond the internal processes. Suppliers and collectors can register in the time slot management system and reserve time slots for their arrival and loading processes. This equalizes delivery traffic and reduces administration. With the option for an automatically back-calculated, timely initiation of picking and staging processes, all intralogistics process sequences for order production and staging can also be linked in PSIwms. Shifts in arrival times or gate assignments then ensure a direct recalculation of dispatch times and order picking and staging processes. At the same time, the market is demanding practical cloud solutions. By setting up its own data center, PSI Logistics has positioned itself as a service provider for application management services and offers corresponding cloud solutions. On the data center platform, PSI Logistics takes over the operation of the software for customers such as Hilti Befestigungstechnik AG, including proactive monitoring and application maintenance. The customers only use their own peripherals for the operational processes on site; PSI Logistics takes care of the servers and applications.

mfl: Which content/technical developments in programming/new approaches will have the greatest impact on your product in 2019?
Braun: In terms of software system developments, a trend is currently solidifying with regard to market requirements in which, on the one hand, the boundaries between logistics IT systems are becoming increasingly blurred. At the horizontal level, for example, WMS are taking over the functionalities of transport management systems (TMS). In the systems of the vertical structure, downstream subsystems of material flow control, picking systems and operational applications are integrated or directly addressed, and higher-level WMS and ERP systems are extended with functionalities of WMS systems. With the modular concept, PSI Logistics has already taken the cross-system integration of its products into account in the system architecture and implemented it in a standards-based development environment. The basis for this is the PSI Java Framework (PJF), which has been rolled out throughout the PSI Group. This is designed both for the development of highly integrated software products and independent, flexible modules as well as for maximum customer-specific adaptations of standard products that have already won several awards. The PSI Java Framework creates a common technological platform within the PSI Group, with which not only modules, but also functions and innovative new developments of the Group companies can be linked as required.

Customers benefit from unparalleled functional and technological flexibility. PSI Logistics is currently expanding the products in its Logistics Suite beyond adaptive functionalities by incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) methods and processes such as neural networks or deep learning to further automate functional processes. Using special algorithms, they enable information to be stored as empirical values, unknown data/information to be prepared and processed - and new findings to be developed. They identify key factors, risks and potential, make independent and self-learning decisions and, if necessary, initiate appropriate operational actions. Together with its sister company PSI FLS Fuzzy Logik & Neuro Systeme GmbH, PSI Logistics has already developed such AI tools and integrated them into the functional spectrum of the airport systems from the PSI Logistics Suite for baggage handling. PSI Logistics is already working on AI solutions for completely different packages, the integration of applications and applications with multi-criteria optimization of logistics networks, for example. The effort required for deep learning is already justifiable for container recognition and quality assurance support. In terms of future developments, it is foreseeable that AI will have a lasting impact on changes to the IT infrastructure as part of the digital transformation, replacing today's proprietary software with open systems.

Markus Müllerschön © viastore Software

Two questions for: Markus Müllerschön, Vice President Sales, viastore Software

materialfluss: What are the key features for a modern warehouse management system?
Markus Müllerschön: Modern warehouse management systems such as viadat 9 form an end-to-end solution for material management and networked material flows along the value chain: from the connection to the ERP systems of different manufacturers through standardized interfaces to the control of automated systems such as conveyor technology, stacker cranes, AGVs or tugger train systems. The software package is quickly implemented through configuration, can be used internationally and is fully scalable in terms of function and performance. In addition, an easy-to-learn user interface is essential - viadat 9 is designed so that anyone who can operate a smartphone can work intuitively with this WMS. This reduces the training period and enables flexible deployment of warehouse employees. Our viadat WMS has a self-explanatory user interface that allows employees to work ergonomically at different locations in distribution centers. All dialogs and buttons can be operated by touch. They are structured in the same way and guide employees step by step through the processes. Logistics managers compile the information and key figures they currently or permanently require in a dashboard and plan their tasks and resources. All relevant data is clearly displayed and available at all times - whether on a desktop, laptop, tablet or smartphone. Functions and information that are not required are hidden, but can be quickly switched on again as required.

mfl: What content/technical developments in programming/new approaches will have the greatest impact on your product in 2019?
Müllerschön: Artificial intelligence and machine learning are becoming increasingly important. These technologies can already be used in a variety of ways with the support of modern warehouse management systems. One example is predictive maintenance, where forecasts are made about the service life and optimum maintenance time of machines based on the combination of different parameters. AGVs and tugger trains are also being used more and more flexibly and are adapting autonomously to new situations and requirements. They will therefore need more intelligent control systems and algorithms in the future. In addition, AI-supported image processing systems could analyze and evaluate manual picking processes in the near future. This would completely automate traditional booking activities by scanning or keyboard input, and picking errors could be detected and corrected immediately. Another example is the shipping of goods, where traditional algorithms often fail today due to the large number of different sizes, shapes, weights and packaging regulations. Here too, AI could help to determine the ideal packaging size based on existing data in combination with past experience.