Variable Weights, Case and Serial-level Scanning Technology to Optimise Chilled & Frozen Goods-in Processing Time

In-DEX WMS Warehouse Management Software has patented Unique Reference (UR) technology, delivering optimised operational processes where pallet configurations change, ensuring traceability throughout such processes.

Many of our customers, including: manufacturing operations, 3PL Logistics’ Cheese, Meat, Poultry and Seafood providers manage product that demands case-level management.

Quite often these products can be variable-weighted items and/or serial-tracked items.

In-DEX WMS manages a wide variety of value-added processes for our customers including: Blast Freezing, Co-packing, Cutting, De-boxing, Grading, Microwaving, Pallet Topping and Picking along with and more. In many of these operations and processes the pallet configuration changes.

It is vital that full real-time forwards and backwards case-level traceability is maintained and that product can be tracked by any of its traceable information (e.g.: kill date, day code, etc.).
 
 

Warehouse Inventory Management

– A 3PL Blast Freezing Operation Processs Flow Example

 
Scenario: A third-party Cold Store client receives fresh meat product from a factory. The factory operates SAPR3 as its ERP. The operation is fast-moving with high stock volumes and real-time traceability is demanded throughout the process.

The product arrives on mixed pallets and is broken-down and re-palletised after blast freezing. Pallets cannot be mixed post blast freeze. Post blast freeze pallets can be built to a higher pallet height.
 
 

 
 

Inventory Technology for Assured Warehouse Stock Location and Accuracy

Effective warehouse inventory management isn’t just about putting everything in its place so it can be located quickly. It’s about optimising operative productivity – by reducing task-time and improving stock accuracy – to reduce OpEx and drive revenue.
 

Warehouse Stock Management

– A Post Blast Freeze Process Example

Principal Logistics Technologies continues to develop new and innovative solutions to assist its customers.

Our customers include: Morrisons (Manufacturing) plc, Cold Move, Norish, and Rick Bestwick in the UK, and Irish operators including Colso Cold Storage, CGI Cold Stores, the Musgrave Group and more.

Ask us how we can apply our technology and longstanding experience to the design and deployment of a solution addressing your operational challenges, which will reduce OpEx and drive revenue.
 
 
 

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This report, from route planning and optimisation technology specialist Maxoptra*, sets out the trends and developments happening in distribution and logistics.

Report Highlights:

• 44% of distribution & logistics companies are investing in ‘advanced levels’ of digitalisation and integration
•  60% of companies are carefully assessing, or already making productive use of, AI
•  Global eCommerce sales are expected to exceed $6 trillion by 2021
• 26% of greenhouse gas emissions are caused by transport

* Maxoptra is route planning and optimisation technology optimising distribution and service fleet management.

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Here’s the latest in warehouse automation: Handle^TM, a mobile manipulation robot from Boston Dynamics, brings a new dimension to pallet stacking. It autonomously performs mixed SKU pallet building and de-palletising.

The two-wheeled robot uses force control to pick up 5kg boxes, moving them to a strategically placed pallet, neatly stacking every box without delay or breakages. The robot can work with boxes up to 15kg, and can stack pallets up to 1.2m wide and 1.7m tall.

We’ve partnered with robotics and automation experts seamlessly integrating the technology into In-DEX to deliver increases in operator performance, resulting in improved real-time stock traceability, visibility, control and more.

Our longstanding In-DEX software technology customer Norish plc, provides services to importers, manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers and distributors. The company is embracing robotics and automation technology in its third-party multi-temperature warehousing and logistics business. Read a case study here.




Ask us about how In-DEX Warehouse Management technology can help your 3PL Logistics or Supply Chain operation reduce OpEx and grow revenue.

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The Chinese government has published a list of Irish meat-processing facilities, along with two 3PL coldstores, that have been approved for export, opening the door for Irish beef to enter the Chinese market.

We congratulate 3PL coldstore operators CGI (Blanchardstown, Ireland) and Musgrave (Tallaght, Ireland), who have been granted approval. Both businesses are longstanding users of In-DEX warehouse Management technology.

Coldstore operators rely on In-DEX Warehouse Management technology

The companies rely on In-DEX Warehouse Management technology to manage intake, required segregated storage and labelling, and loading requirements. This is done with complete demonstrable real-time traceability throughout the entire process.

Additionally, In-DEX can prompt users for quality related questions via HHT’s (handheld units) and, using our  In-DEX Document & Scanning module, it can also manage the AQSIQ (General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine) signed veterinarians health certificates.

“All formalities have now been completed, and 14 additional beef plants, plus two coldstores,
have been listed on the General Administration of Customs in China (GACC) website.”
Michael Creed, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine in Ireland.

Third Largest Agri-food Market

Total Irish agri-food trade exports to China reached €974m last year. China is now Irelands third largest market overall. Dairy exports reached €667m and pig-meat exports were over €100m in 2017. These were the two largest categories of food exported to China, and for both of these commodities China was the second largest destination market (Irish CSO trade statistics). China is also a growing market for seafood and other food and drink exports.

Source: MerrionStreet.ie and RTE.

About CGI Group
Operating from two modern facilities strategically placed in Dublin and Cork, CGI provides a unique chilled & frozen route-to-market. It brings 20 years’ experience in temperature-controlled warehousing and supply chain management to the Irish food sector.

About Musgrave Group
Musgrave is Ireland’s leading food retail, wholesale and foodservice company. Via its retail partners, it supports over 41,000 jobs, in more than 1,400 stores and offices. The company is one of Europe’s most successful family-owned businesses with a 140-year heritage in food and brand innovation.

CGI and Musgrave join existing UK and Ireland cold store operators already using In-DEX technology and that are already approved for exporting into China. These include Norish Cold Storage (Brierley Hill & Wrexham, UK) which is approved to export pigmeat into China.

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Reverse Logistics, or the returns process as it was previously known, has until recently been considered an unwanted process often confined to the shadows of the warehouse. Companies are now starting to appreciate the significant financial savings possible by applying a Reverse Logistics strategy. Alongside the financial savings, increased repeat orders and customer loyalty benefits, there are also growing demands on organisations to reduce waste and recycle goods and packaging.
 

“Reverse Logistics is the process of planning, implementing, and controlling
the flow of goods and related information backwards along the
supply chain, from the point of consumption to the point of origin”.

•  Reverse Logistics affects B2B and B2C markets and its importance to both has greatly increased in recent years
• Returns cost the average B2B manufacturer between 9%-15% of total revenue*

 
Perhaps the greatest enhancements to Reverse Logistics have occurred in the B2C market. With exponential growth in eCommerce and online shopping, moving away from traditional bricks-and-mortar shopping, this trend has had a dramatic and revolutionary impact on the Reverse Logistics market.
 

• Significant cost savings across landfill/disposal, reduced space demand & increased stock availability
• Reduced customer churn and increased customer loyalty
• Packaging & Waste Electrical & Electronical Equipment (WEEE) directives
• Alignment with corporate sustainability & green initiatives

 
Organisations that have deployed Reverse Logistics processes can increase revenues by up to 5% of total sales*. This may be due to the fact that in eCommerce operations: shoppers’ experience reduces hassle with easy return policies (at least 30% of products ordered online are returned, compared to 9% in stores**); pre-printed return labels are shipped with the goods; and, contracts are in place with courier companies able to collect returns, with zero-cost to the purchaser.

Watch a short Video on Reverse Logistics,
the Circular Economy/Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)

Old stock isn’t necessarily waste: Reverse Logistics and Extended Producer Responsibility (or the Circular Economy) represents a potentially highly profitable and environmentally friendly business opportunity. Resources or parts in products sold or transported today could be recycled, morphing into parts or resources for products you sell tomorrow!
 
 
In-DEX WMS Sample Returns Process

As warehouse Management experts we focus on the management of physical stock movements. Returns usually originate from uplift instructions, however, processes need to be in place to manage stock returned blind that doesn’t have an uplift instruction.

We generate a returns transaction, or electronically receive one from our customers’ ERP. Upon receipt of the physical goods, these are checked-in, with all traceable information recorded (e.g. best before dates, batch numbers etc.).

The new generation of hand-held devices includes integrated digital cameras. With In-DEX WMS technology, operators can simply press a button on the device, taking a photograph of the goods, which is instantly transmitted wirelessly so that the details are then held against the relevant transaction in the Warehouse Management System. As part of this process In-DEX also sends an email message to all relevant parties attaching a copy of the photograph, and provides real-time notification that the goods have been returned.

Damaged goods image capture via hand-held terminals

Usually goods are received back on a returns transaction. These can automatically be placed on QC (Quality Control) hold with operators directed to a returns goods area.
 
 

 
Daily, or hourly, approved staff need to physically review goods. Again, by using a hand-held terminal they can classify goods to be fit for resale/restocking in which case operators are directed, when scanned, to place items back into pickfaces. For alternative goods not fit for resale, operators can be directed to a disposal area and a stock write-off transaction generated.

In all instances each transaction is logged, date and time stamped and tracked to a user ID. As such, delivering full traceability and KPI reporting.

* Aberdeen Group report (2010), **Investp report

READ MORE ABOUT In-DEX WMS:
CLICK HERE FOR SOME CLIENT CASE STUDIES

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Read the recent research report by connected planning specialist Vuealta, The Future of the Supply Chain*, highlighting the thoughts of over 1,000 UK and US Supply Chain operators:
 

In order to grow market share and competitive advantage your Warehouse Management Systems must align with your Supply Chain operation at all times, continuously mirroring your business’s ebb and flow.
 
Ask us how our innovative In-DEX WMS Warehouse Management Software technology can help optimise your business, reducing operational costs and driving revenue.
 
* Vuealta commissioned Censuswide to survey 1,002 business decision makers in the US and UK, working in companies with over 250 employees and operating a supply chain in June 2019.
 

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Blockchain history

The Blockchain is an undeniably ingenious invention – the brainchild of a person or group of people known by the pseudonym, Satoshi Nakamoto. Original devised for the digital current Bitcoin it has since evolved into something greater and the tech community has now found other potential uses for the technology.
 

KNOW ALL ABOUT BLOCKCHAIN TECHNOLOGY ALREADY?
SKIP THE TECH AND GO STRAIGHT TO THE BENEFITS FOR SUPPLY CHAIN OPERATIONS

What is Blockchain?

By allowing digital information to be distributed but not copied, Blockchain technology creates the backbone of a new type of internet. Simplified, Blockchain is a time-stamped series of immutable record of data managed by a cluster of computers not owned by a single entity. Each of these ‘blocks’ of data are secured and bound to each other using cryptographic principles (i.e.: chain).
 
 

“The Blockchain is an incorruptible digital ledger of economic transactions that can be
programmed to record not just financial transactions but virtually everything of value.”
Don & Alex Tapscott authors: Blockchain Revolution (2016)

 
The Blockchain network has no central authority — it is the very definition of a democratised system. Since it is a shared and immutable ledger, the information in it is open for anyone and everyone to see. Hence, anything that is built on the Blockchain is by its very nature transparent and everyone involved is accountable for their actions.
 
 

How does Blockchain work?

Picture a spreadsheet that is duplicated thousands of times across a network of computers. Then imagine that this network is designed to regularly update this spreadsheet and you have a basic understanding of the Blockchain. The Information held on a Blockchain exists as a shared — and continually reconciled — database. This is a way of using the network that has obvious benefits.

The Blockchain database isn’t stored in any single location, meaning the records it keeps are truly public and easily verifiable. No centralised version of this information exists for a hacker to corrupt. Hosted by millions of computers simultaneously, its data is accessible to anyone on the internet.

The three pillars of Blockchain technology

To understand Blockchain we must understand the three pillars the technology is based on:
 

#1: Decentralisation*

Before Bitcoin came along, we were more used to centralised services. The idea is very simple. You have a centralised entity which stored all the data and you’d have to interact solely with this entity to get whatever information you required. The traditional client-server model is a perfect example of this. Centralised systems have treated us well for many years; however, they have several vulnerabilities.

• Firstly, because they are centralised, all the data is stored in one spot. This makes them easy target spots for potential hackers.
• If the centralised system were to go through a software upgrade, it would halt the entire system
• What if the centralised entity somehow shut down for whatever reason? That way nobody will be able to access the information that it possesses
• Worst case scenario, what if this entity gets corrupted and malicious? If that happens then all the data that is inside the Blockchain will be compromised.

So, what happens if we just take this centralised entity away?*

In a decentralised system, the information is not stored by one single entity. In fact, everyone in the network owns the information. In a decentralised network, if you wanted to interact with your friend then you can do so directly without going through a third party. That was the main ideology behind Bitcoins. You and only you alone are in charge of your money. You can send your money to anyone you want without having to go through a bank.

#2: Transparency

One of the most interesting and misunderstood concepts in Blockchain technology is “transparency.” Some people say that Blockchain gives you privacy while some say that it is transparent. While a person’s identity is hidden via complex cryptography and represented only by their public address. So, while the person’s real identity is secure, you will still see all the transactions that were done by their public address.

This level of transparency has never existed before. It adds that level of accountability which is required. If for example you know the public address of one of the big manufacturing companies, you can simply pop it in an explorer and look at all the transactions that they have engaged in. This forces everyone to be honest and eliminates counterfeiting, proves origin and so other huge benefits in the supply chain.

#3: Immutability

Immutability, in the context of the Blockchain, means that once something has been entered into the Blockchain, it cannot be tampered with. The reason why the Blockchain gets this property is that of cryptographic hash function. In simple terms, hashing means taking an input string of any length and giving out an output of a fixed length. In summary instead of just containing the address of the previous block it also contains the hash of the data inside the previous block.

While technical there is just one property that you need to be aware of and it is called the “Avalanche Effect.” If someone tries to change data because of the properties of hash functions, a slight change in data will change the hash drastically. This means that any slight changes made in block 3, will change the hash which is stored in block 2, now that in turn will change the data and the hash of block 2 which will result in changes in block 1 and so on and so forth. This will completely change the chain, which is impossible. This is exactly how Blockchain attain immutability.
 
 

How will Blockchain technology benefit the Supply Chain?

Blockchain technology presents a significant step-change in business solutions for the Supply Chain:

• Supply Chain auditing
  Consumers increasingly want to know that the ethical claims companies make about their products are real. Distributed ledgers provide an easy way to certify that the backstories of the things we buy are genuine. Transparency comes with Blockchain-based timestamping of a date and location — on ethical diamonds, for instance — that corresponds to a product number.
  The UK-based provenance offers Supply Chain auditing for a range of consumer goods. Making use of Blockchain, a provenance pilot project ensures that fish sold in Sushi restaurants in Japan has been sustainably harvested by its suppliers in Indonesia.
• Transparency
  Blockchain records are always instantly available to all supply chain members. Data accessibility makes decisions and operations flow quicker and easier, with simplified processes.
• Smart contracts
  Simplify and improve stock arrivals, departures and movements, changes in ownership, and more.
• Product recalls
  All supply chain members will have access to required information, in real-time.
• Reduce administration, automate procedures, reduce cost
  Shared data, data visibility will enable more seamless commerce across the supply chain.
• Product counterfeiting
  Decentralisation and encryption means records cannot be deleted, hidden or tampered with, and are safe from unauthorised access. This should eliminate or identify product counterfeit as soon as it enters the supply chain.
• End-to-end traceability
  Track the origin of all assets, properties and movements across borders. Identify fraud, theft and damages, and apply firewalls to prevent failure in advance.
• Compliance & certifications
  Blockchain technology makes it easy to manage compliance, verification and certification of goods and staff.
• Seamless collaboration
  Blockchain networks allow multiple entities and participants to effectively communicate using electronic signatures, instant document exchange, automatic contract verification, and more.
• Customer satisfaction
  Blockchain networks enable the accurate tracking of product quality and origin, and hence significantly improves inventory management. It reacts to changes in customer demand faster.
• Fair trade and other such product claims
  Blockchain-based tools can validate stock origin, manufacturer, materials, and more.
• Trade flow facilitation
  Blockchain’s streamlined processes facilitate the development of cross-border connections, bridging operational differences.
• Transport optimisation lower carbon footprint
  Managing the carbon footprint of a product, minimising the carbon emissions required to deliver that product to the end consumer.
• Competitive advantage
  Blockchain-based solutions allow businesses to address and optimise wide-ranging cross-industry challenges, providing a competitive edge.

 
 
In-DEX and Blockchain
Our worldwide patented unique referencing (UR) mechanism is the backbone of our product suite and is based on the principals of Blockchain. No transaction can occur without the previous UR existing and provides full forwards and backwards traceability throughout the supply chain.

Principal Logistics Technologies have the technology and platforms available now to allow companies to embrace the rapidly changing and dynamic environment in which we and our customers operate.

We just love to develop innovative solutions that improve on our customer’s operations and ROI. If you’re experiencing Warehousing or Supply Chain operation issues or bottlenecks – or just need improvements to stay ahead of the competition – then ask us how, today.

Joe O’Shea, Director, Principal Logistics Technologies

Acknowledgements
The above text and images are a summary of one of the best articles on Blockchain I have read to date. This is from an Article by Ameer Rosic entitled “What is Blockchain Technology? A Step-by-Step Guide For Beginners” and published here.

* Source: Blockgeeks

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Being a supplier of Warehouse Management Software (WMS) technology, we’re often asked this question. Adopting new technology in your warehouse, supply chain or manufacturing business will get you ahead of the competition in a highly challenging market. It will generate higher levels of customer service meaning you retain your increasingly demanding and valuable customers long-term. Ultimately though, it will reduce your OpEx and drive revenue.

Choosing the right WMS Warehouse Management Software for your business

Your current and future business strategy and goals come first. With this intelligence you can select the most suitable Warehouse Management Software to match your business objectives. You could take the bespoke approach and develop, or have developed by a third-party, a dedicated WMS. Or, you could select a pre-built, modular, WMS. Whichever route you go down, you’ll need to consider the potential return on investment that the selected system will bring over time.

 What to look out for:

• 100% real-time stock traceability & visibility
• System-driven process flow
• Mobile computing that directors & operators understand – providing real-time
• confirmation & error location
• System catchpoints & checkpoints – ensuring live adherence to business handling & storage rules
• Scalability & flexibility – to grow with your business
• Accurate stock information
• Live and historic dashboards & real-time KPI reporting
• Digitalised workflow
• Yard management – to even workflow, eliminating bottlenecks
• Document imaging & scanning – to eliminate paperwork & reduce time-to-invoice payment
• Voice technology – freeing-up hand and eye movements

NEW VIDEOS:
In-DEX WMS
FEATURES & BENEFITS

And, how can I get the best from the supplier engagement process?

Suppliers work in different ways. To avoid an unnecessary time overhead, they should always adapt to your way of working.

Here’s our typical tried-and-tested engagement process:

#1: Introduction
On receiving your enquiry, an experienced warehousing expert will contact you and organise an initial phone call to gain a better understanding of your requirements. We will discuss how our applications can address and enhance your operation.

#2: Budgetary costs
From this initial call we will provide a follow up message via email, with estimated budgetary costs.

#3: Onsite warehouse walk-through (with lead consultant)
For existing operations we will request an onsite walkthrough to establish a more detailed understanding of the requirements (e.g.: operational design, site constraints, etc.).

4: Key stakeholder presentation
We will then present a bespoke presentation based on our understanding of your requirements and how we would propose to address these. Includes a general question and answer session.

#5: Solution design phase
While billable, we attend onsite and conduct functional solution requirements, documenting and presenting our findings.

#6: Installation, configuration, testing, training and go-live management
After pricing is agreed and contracts signed, our service delivery team will work with you to design and install your new WMS solution as quickly and efficiently as possible ensuring minimal business disruption.

#7: Post go-live
After an agreed level of intensive post-deployment support, your site will be handed over gradually to our Business Support Team who will provide you with technical information about your service and support procedures, contact numbers and escalation procedures. After this, your service will be managed by a dedicated Account Manager in conjunction with our Business Support team.

We developed our in-house In-DEX WMS Warehouse Management Software suite from the ground up with Warehouse, Supply Chain and Manufacturing customer operations in mind. And, we just love to deliver innovative solutions which optimise our customer’s warehousing operations, reducing OpEx and, ultimately, increasing ROI.

If you are experiencing Warehousing or Supply Chain operation issues or bottlenecks – or you just need improvements to stay ahead of the competition – then Ask us How.
 
 

CASE STUDIES:
In-DEX WMS WAREHOUSE OPTIMISATION

The post What to Look for When Choosing WMS Software appeared first on Principal Logistics Technologies.

 
In-DEX Yard Management technology, when used in conjunction with In-DEX WMS Warehouse Management Software, allows users to efficiently schedule inbound and outbound loads evenly across days and in doing so optimises movements with available resources such as loading bays, operators, handling equipment and more.
 
 

 
 

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