Daniel Wöhr, press officer at WMS provider CIM, sees two key areas in which warehouse management systems must currently be an important pillar in the supply chain in view of the coronavirus crisis: "The interaction between user and system is becoming particularly important, as is the structure of the system itself". As many people are currently working from home, it is important to have secure access to the software from there in order to keep an eye on processes. CIM GmbH's WMS, Prolag World, is completely browser-based. This means that all data can be accessed at any time and from anywhere in the world, even from the home office.

Relief through AI
Artificial intelligence in intralogistics software also enables smooth processes even with reduced staff. In Prolag World, for example, intelligent order analysis significantly reduces the workload for staff. The order analysis examines and organizes delivery orders according to defined criteria so that they can be picked together and packed very quickly. Intelligent and automated WMS functions such as these make it possible for companies to remain operational even with a small workforce.

Modular structure
The structure of the warehouse management software can also be a key to success: Prolag World has a broad standard with a modular structure. This means that individual functions can be switched on or off during operation. If market conditions change, as they have due to coronavirus, customers can react quickly and flexibly and add new functions to their system. As an example, Wöhr mentions the function "Change shipping type of already packed and labeled shipments". If a consignment is already fully packed and labeled, the shipping method can still be changed. This may be necessary, for example, if a parcel service provider is no longer able to transport parcels due to an increase in the number of parcels. Other functions, such as the so-called priority mode, make it possible to determine the priority and therefore the importance of individual deliveries in the system. For example, food can be automatically prioritized higher and thus delivered faster.

Warehouse management systems can also support the organization of the warehouse itself. By defining different storage areas and using the so-called traffic light function, individual areas can be demarcated in Prolag World and access restricted so that there are never too many people in one area. Route optimization can also be used to control the routes in the warehouse so that people move in accordance with hygiene recommendations.