Completed WMS projects
GIGANT Holding AG
Consulting and selection of a warehouse management system
Branch
- Metal- and plasticsworking industry
- Automotive industry
The international group GIGANT Holding AG (Gigant) intended to relocate its production and thus asked the Fraunhofer-Institute for Material Flow and Logistics (Fraunhofer IML) for assistance during the planning and implementation of a warehouse system. In the scope of this project the team warehouse logistics assisted Gigant during the preparation of a performance specification and the selection of a warehouse management system (WMS) to be used at its headquarters Trenkamp & Gehle GmbH in Dinklage.
The group GIGANT Holding AG was established in 2003 and its French subsidiary S.A.E. has been an experienced manufacturer of axes for more than 50 years. GIGANT axes, spring aggregates and pneumatic tanks are used aroung the worls for trailers and semi-trailers.
Motive and goal
In line with a relocation of its production the company wanted to install a new WMS. One aim was to prepare the tender documents, including a performance specification, of Gigant's current and future functional requirements. Furthermore, a WMS provider should be selected whose product best meets the requirement specifications and whose business and labour structures suit Gigant best. When the WMS provider was chosen Gigant asked the team warehouse logistics for assistance with the performance specifications.
Requirement profile
To clearly define the performance requirements Fraunhofer IML analysed the current warehouse processes and material flows at the location in Dinklage. Based on the results it then developed suitable target processes. The scenario was agreed upon with Gigant during workshops and the result is a target concept as basis for the requirement specification.
International Market Survey WMS
Based on the requirement specification the team warehouse logistics weighted the software requirements profile. Potential WMS providers were chosen from the online WMS selection which is based on the International Market Survey Warehouse Management Systems. The functions of the WMS were compared and their strong and weak points were pointed out. Furthermore, the providers were checked regarding company size, number of employees, references, etc. At the end five potential providers could be named who met the requirements and should be included in the call for bids.
Call for bids, selection of bidders and preparation of performance specifications
The team warehouse logistics prepared the tender documents for the five remaining providers. The predetermined offer structure allowed for the objective comparison and evaluation of all offers regarding price structure, support services and functions. Finally, the team moderated the service presentation and recommended a WMS provider.
After Gigant had submitted an order the team warehouse logistics assisted the company during the preparation of the performance specification. This performance specification sets the basis for the implementation by the WMS provider and describes in detail how the defined requirements should be realised.
Result
The results of the consulting by the team warehouse logistics are:
- A function requirement specification clearly describing all requirements
- A list of providers whose WMS and business structure meet Gigant's requirements
- Tender documents allowing for an efficient comparison
- Moderation of the offer presentation by selected providers followed by a recommendation of the best suitable WMS
- A performance specification as basis for the implementation by the WMS provider
