WES offers scan-free intralogistics and time savings of 20-30 percent with unique sensor technology

Misplaced pallets, faulty barcode scans, lengthy searches for lost goods ... these are situations that occur in warehouses that lead to unnecessary costs and staff frustration. IdentPro developed a sensor technology that is so different from existing solutions that it made it to the finals of the IFOY AWARD last year and is already in use at high-profile companies such as Wepa, Bekuplast, Asahi and Warsteiner. Compared to other Warehouse Execution Systems via RFID, UWB or camera, IdentPro is distinguished by the centimeter- and millisecond-accurate creation of the Digital Twin. Curious about this system and its return of investment, we spoke with chief commercial officer Erik van Rikxoort.

"There is a tremendous amount to be gained in many warehouses in terms of so-called overall equipment effectiveness. Search times in warehouses are often high, there are too many empty runs and scanning also leads to a lot of paperwork. Finally, our technology solves these inefficiencies without the need to modify the goods, load carriers or the warehouse. Only the existing vehicles are equipped with the IoT sensor technology. Our system offers a quick solution to bring one hundred percent transparency and maximum efficiency in internal transport and inventory management."

Technology

The system provides an overview of warehouse movements to better manage inventory, distribute transport orders automatically and minimize human error. A striking feature of the IoT solution is the mutual interaction between the various components integrated into the software solution: the Digital Twin in real time (RTLS), centimeter-accurate location of goods and vehicles, efficient use of controlled and automated vehicles and smart distribution of orders (SLS).

"Unlike other solutions that work via RFID, UWB or a camera, our solution distinguishes itself by accurately creating the Digital Twin in real time (RTLS). Even use in outdoor areas can be realized without problems. And so there is no need to provide goods with all kinds of information, such as tags. We use the forklift as a measurement device, increasing efficiency by using scan-less identification and optimization of route logistics. This allows companies to reduce transportation costs and use labor more efficiently." IdentPro's technologies can be easily integrated with existing ERP and WMS systems, helping to better connect and manage data flows within the supply chain.

Favorable ROI

Implementation time is between three and six months. "The parties we do business with are actually quite impressed that an IT project of this magnitude can be realized within three to six months. The software can be immediately deployed in the existing warehouse and, thanks to the intelligent programming, it provides a time savings of twenty to thirty percent."

 Depending on the old situation, the ROI is between eight and 14 months. "We have a good ROI calculator for this that clients can fill out themselves. In addition to the direct time savings achieved, other savings can be made based on the data collected. From day one, the system provides data on things like the number of empty runs and stationary vehicles. Based on this data, it can therefore be quickly determined whether one can get by with fewer forklifts."

Van Rikxoort does the simple math: "For every forklift that is operational 24/7, you need five to six employees. Let's assume five, so with one forklift you save a quarter of a million in personnel costs. If we take the minimum time gain that our system delivers, which is twenty percent, then with a fleet of twenty trucks you're already talking about savings of four forklifts at a million a year!"

Safety

Thus, the system also provides a solution to the current labor shortage. "And last but not least, the system increases job satisfaction! There is nothing more irritating for a forklift driver than having to search for goods unnecessarily. Or completely misplacing goods, which means you've made your trip for nothing anyway. And, of course, the fact that you no longer have to leave your forklift truck contributes to safety on the shop floor."