Based on the detailed technical design concept SERKEM has set the logistics software and added a number of features according to the requests of Kühne + Nagel and Groupe SEB. A warehouse activity monitor displays every transport request. The warehouse supervisor or worker gets a precise description on which or how many goods need to be taken from one storage location to another. Furthermore, the application detects different picking strategies depending on the order, such as multi-order picking or two-step picking.
Another function shortens delivery processes. A delivery monitor groups together individual orders from one recipient to just one delivery. This reduces picking and transportation costs.

With the help of order picking vehicles the warehouse workers ensure that the desired goods are getting ready for shipping. Therefore vehicles are equipped with radio scanners and mobile printers. For each picking and packing process the corresponding shipping labels including bar codes and IDs are printed. WebSAPConsole provides WIFI connection to the SAP warehouse management. Technical operations run stable and without errors.
Pickers are directed through the warehouse on optimized routes. Via multi-order picking the pickers can combine up to ten shipments in just one sorting run. A vehicle guidance system coordinates orders depending on priority, sends them to the vehicles and leads through the warehouse on optimized routes. Next to beam shelves the warehouse structure also includes a DIS system (Drive-In-System developed by Jungheinrich), which was integrated into the SAP warehouse solution. Aside from fixed picking spaces, dynamic picking areas are set up and administrated by the SAP application. The utilized capacity of the DIS warehouse system reached 85 percent within a short period of time.

Particularly high-quality devices such as espresso machines, fully automatic coffee machines or ironing stations are being tracked by serial numbers. When removing goods from storage, the storage space and in addition the serial number or the bar code of the product get detected by a scanner. The scanner technology and the integration of warehouse management into ERP processes become obvious in the inventory. „Back in the days it took us three days for an inventory, today we just need one“, says Müller. By now, permanent inventory (including zero stock check) is applied to large areas of the warehouse.
Another process is used for the handling of warranty and reparation services processed by a service center in the warehouse in Solingen. The same location supports processes for value-added logistics services which enable for example the adding of vouchers or a free bag of coffee.
The applications of the new warehouse management system are very user-friendly. Especially in seasonal peaks when temporary staff is needed this is very useful. Within a short period of time the new employees are trained and familiar with warehouse processes. Therefore household appliances from Groupe SEB reach their customers in no time.