Validation Cycle 2026 Completed: Logistics IT Database Is Updated

Why Is Validation Performed?

The selection of a logistics IT system, such as a Warehouse Management System (WMS), Transport Management System (TMS), Resource Planning System (RPS), or Manufacturing Execution System (MES), is a decision with a long-term impact. To ensure that this decision can be made on a resilient foundation, Fraunhofer IML has been operating the vendor-independent platform »warehouse logistics« since the year 2000.

Before a vendor’s specifications are included in the Logistics IT Database, they are verified by the »warehouse logistics« team. On the basis of the validated data, logistics IT vendors and users can be accurately matched, and vendors can benchmark their own systems.

How Does a Validation Work?

The initial validation of a newly listed system takes approximately two days. During this process, all information provided by the vendor across the entire questionnaire is thoroughly examined. To keep the data up to date, a follow-up validation is conducted annually. In this process, developments in the vendor’s system as well as new aspects in the questionnaire are reviewed. This year, more than 500 aspects in the validation questionnaire were revised to take new trends and developments into account.

The system specifications are validated “on the live system.” The vendor demonstrates the respective functionality directly on a test or customer installation. Where this is not possible, such as with specific optimization strategies that only become apparent during operational deployment, user manuals, project documentation, reference projects, publications, or expert discussions are consulted. The entire process complies with a certified quality management system according to DIN EN ISO 9001 to ensure the objectivity of the validation.

What Is the Validation Result?

The vendor receives the validation result, including all deviations from their original specifications. The validated details are subsequently released in the Logistics IT Database starting August 1. As proof of successful validation, the vendor receives a validation signet as a quality seal. In addition, the participant certificate is awarded at the annual participant meeting.

Thanks

A big thank you to everyone who contributed to the validation. Your support and open exchange keep the Logistics IT Database current and reliable and continuously advance the platform.

Would you like to become part of the »warehouse logistics« community and have your system validated, or are you planning a data-based system selection?

Feel free to contact us at info@warehouse-logistics.com