PSIwms includes all additional functions of a WMS provided in accordance with the VDI 3601 guideline.
The PSIwms additional functions in accordance with VDI allow, for example:
Batch management in PSIwms, for example, allows batches to be recorded in incoming goods, or specific batches to be picked according to the order specification. The batch is managed as a separate stock separation attribute in the inventory, and provides traceability at all times. In addition to the batch number, a batch date (e.g. production date) can also be used as a stock separator.
PSIwms supports all current cross docking variants according to the VDI guideline:
Dock and yard management allows management of bays or ramps in the warehouse, as well as routing of packages in the warehouse to the bays allocated to the order or route. The cockpit functions are enhanced by visualisation of both the notified mode of transport and the mode of transport currently in the yard or in the bay. A key part of the module involves the moving of slots including notifying the forwarder via the interface or by email, access via the interface, and statistics for waiting times and delivery reliability.
PSIwms can manage multi-deep storage areas, and factor them into warehousing and removal strategies. If transfers are required, they can be scheduled by the system or carried out with transport orders. Even if you are using sub-systems such as conveying equipment with a material flow control system, PSIwms can easily and pro-actively manage multi-deep storage via the interface.
PSIwms provides the option of saving various pieces of information on hazardous substances or hazardous goods as an attribute in the item. Hazardous goods management allows you to manage key information on transportation outside the warehouse, e.g. hazardous goods classification, transport category and packaging group.
PSIwms provides the option of saving various pieces of information on hazardous substances or hazardous goods as an attribute in the item. As stock separation attributes, they ensure adherence to the mixed storage rules. This may be required by statutory provisions. The specified processes in relation to hazardous goods can be easily configured, for example by creating separate incoming goods or warehouse sections, by creating special material flows for warehousing, picking and removal etc.
PSIwms provides a weight check in diverse processes such as warehousing, packing or transport. For example, warehousing strategies can take into account the load capacity of potential storage areas, orders can request that items are weighed during the packing process, or the maximum permitted weight of vehicle can be considered when allocating packages to routes.
The management of handling units in PSIwms includes the management of widely varying types of transport units, as well as the hierarchical linking of several transport units, with the result that any nesting of pallets, containers, boxes etc. can be shown in the system. Handling units (transport units) can be clearly identified, are traceable with history and can be warehoused, transported or removed piecemeal or as a complete unit.
The kitting functions range from compiling (kitting, assembly) to de-boxing (reverse kitting, disassembly) of an item according to the bill of materials definition. In addition, a distinction is made between kit-to-order (directly for an order) and kit-to-stock (pre-assembled for a later call-off order) during kitting.
In PSIwms, consignment goods can be identified by attributes in stock. This enables the ownership structure to be managed easily. The exact consignment goods procedure can be configured in each process, from incoming goods to dispatch.
Empties and unit load equipment in empties accounts for different business partners, or clients can be managed in PSIwms. This enables transport units to be identified by an attribute with an item number, meaning that empties can be handled (e.g. for deliveries or collection order) in a similar way to normal items.
The ability to handle multiple clients in PSIwms goes far beyond the separating feature for stock in the warehouse. PSIwms offers many options, from separate databases with protection against unauthorised access, to standalone topology and warehouse processes, right through to billing of services for each client.
PSIwms has a standard concept and therefore allows several organisationally and/or spatially separated warehouses to be managed. For example, replenishment via orders can be controlled between the separately managed locations. Together with PSIwms Warehouse Service Broker, multiple warehouse management can be used to create any organisational links as required between locations.
The minimum shelf life data (MHD) in PSIwms is managed by a separating attribute in the stock. The minimum shelf life data can be used in incoming goods as storage criteria, as well as in dispatch for reservation logic. For example, remaining shelf life can be taken into account or goods can be dispatched sorted according to oldest MHD.
The case calculation in PSIwms calculates the optimal package size for the pick and pack process by considering multiple configurable criteria such as volume, weight, item dimensions, order purity etc.
Production supply and disposal in PSIwms is supported by several features. In shipping notifications and orders, a distinction can be made between production and distribution (and other types), meaning that separate processes and material flows can be configured for all types. For example, different picking types, alternative packaging, alternative supply strategies, and a wide variety of supply routes between warehouse sections can be easily implemented.
The PSIwms resource management expansion module is designed for operational use, and is also a supporting tool in management decisions. Resource management is used to plan the allocation of resources in a logistics operation. The tasks which should be performed, the necessary operations, times and resources, are all taken into account.
Returns management includes the option of identifying returns by a separate shipping notification category, recording delivered returns in a dialogue according to the order, and making decisions on alternative use or routing in the warehouse. For example, returns can be earmarked for re-storage, scrapping, further shipping etc. and can therefore be routed differently in the warehouse.
Serial numbers in PSIwms are managed by a separating attribute in the stock. This enables flexible recording and/or control of serial numbers during various processes in the warehouse (incoming goods, picking and packing) through easy configuration. This ensures that goods can always be traced to orders or shipping notifications linked to the serial number.
There are a number of transfer and consolidation functions available to the cockpit for warehouse organisation. For example, transfer of stocks can be planned according to an ABC analysis, and transfers, addition of stock and transport to special consolidation areas can be requested based on the fill-level analysis of transport units and areas. All reorganisation measures lead to optimisation of the stock situation in the warehouse and increase the efficiency of the picking process. Since the reorganisation transport is also managed via the forklift control system, it can be integrated into normal operations.
The forklift control system manages a wide variety of transport vehicles and enables the productivity of internal transport to be optimised. Vehicles are linked to the forklift control system via radio data transmission and an application on fixed or mobile data terminals. The standardisation of vehicles, allocation to carrier types and movement areas in the warehouse, the monitoring of vehicle availability, and the optimisation of empty runs using a distance matrix are key elements of the system which is established to meet targets in relation to utilisation and throughput.
Performing additional actions in relation to an item can, if necessary, also lead to a new variant of the item (e.g. “labelled”, “cleaned”, etc.). The stock of this variant can then be managed separately and taken into consideration when making reservations. Value added services can be billed by creating the relevant service codes.
In PSIwms, the Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI) principle can be followed by transmitting the consumption data (inflow and outflow), as well as minimum or maximum warehouse stock levels via the interface. The linked supplier’s system can react to stock changes in real time and plan replenishment.
The scrap process can be shown in PSIwms as a separate order with the corresponding order type, and can also be the result of or the process following a return delivery. Stocks can be routed, for example, to a warehouse area for scrapping; the scrapping process is carried out there and the stocks booked out from PSIwms.
PSIwms supports customs handling by supplying the relevant data via an interface to a shipping system, which can manage the preparation of the customs documentation and all necessary processes which are specific to the country. Special delivery and dispatch areas in the warehouse for customs handling, and the necessary routing of the relevant packages can also be configured to requirements.
PSIwms - innovative & future-proof
PSIwms has been validated since 2003 each year by the Fraunhofer Institute for Material Flow and Logistics IML, with regard to its software functions and services.
Rüdiger Stauch
Head of Sales
Photos (top to bottom, ltr): © Kadmy – Fotolia.com
