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Our methodology for reliable information

For over 25 years, Fraunhofer IML's long-term »warehouse logistics« project has been compiling information on logistics IT systems and providers. Standardised data collection, validation and continuous development ensure reliable information for selecting suitable system solutions.

Motivation

Transparency for well-informed system decisions

The market for logistics IT systems is diverse, dynamic and often confusing. At the same time, selecting a suitable system involves significant long-term investment, meaning that companies face the challenge of identifying the best solution for their individual requirements.

Neutral and reliable sources of information that bring together system functionalities and provider characteristics in one place have so far been in short supply. To enable well-informed decisions, a transparent overview and objective comparability of logistics IT systems are therefore required. Up-to-date and detailed evaluation and comparison criteria that take into account both operational processes and economic aspects are crucial. This enables companies to reliably assess how well systems fit their needs and ensure a successful selection and implementation.

Solution

Data-driven and independent knowledge platform

In response to the need for an objective and detailed basis for decision-making, Fraunhofer IML has been operating »warehouse logistics« – an independent platform for logistics IT systems – for over 25 years. Its long-term operation, standardised data collection and the validation of providers' information have created a robust knowledge base that supports companies in selecting and evaluating logistics IT systems.

»warehouse logistics« is a long-term project run by Fraunhofer IML. The team behind it has been operating and developing the platform for over 25 years. Its expertise is based in the Intralogistics and IT Planning department.

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Procedure

Methodical approach

To ensure that the data remains up to date and of high quality, it is collected annually and the underlying questionnaires are continuously refined.

Data collection

Structured collection of system and provider information using standardised questionnaires.

Validation

Verification and supplementation of the information through face-to-face discussions and semi-structured interviews with the providers.

Further development

Continuous adaptation of the evaluation criteria to current market requirements and research findings.

Questionnaires and Development

Detailed analysis of systems and providers

The system questionnaires form the basis of the »Logistics IT Database« and enable a comprehensive evaluation of logistics IT systems. Both company-specific criteria and the functional characteristics of the systems are recorded. With up to 3,900 aspects, this creates a detailed and comparable basis for evaluation, which is continuously adapted to current market and technological developments.

Components of the questionnaires

Company and project details

Recording key provider characteristics such as project experience, international presence, product portfolio, range of services, certifications and industry expertise.

Product details and system environment

The technical foundations of the systems are described through details on architecture, interfaces, database connections, supported technologies, and configuration and administration functions.

Core functions: Management

These cover system-group-specific functional aspects, such as warehouse structure, stock levels and transport for WMS; customer and transport management for TMS; and material master data, machine management and set-up processes for MES.

Core functions: Processes

Key process flows within the respective system groups are mapped, for example, from goods receipt to goods issue in WMS; from materials planning through route planning to tracking & tracing and freight cost management in TMS; and from demand planning, production control, fine-tuning and maintenance in MES.

Additional functions

In addition to the core functions, other system-group-specific functions are considered, such as tender management, yard management and fleet management in TMS; multi-level stock-keeping, material flow control and slotting in WMS; and fault management, plant monitoring and resource planning in MES.

Applications

Applied research contributions with high industrial relevance

Benefit from practical research findings, comprehensive market analyses and a long-standing database. Our insights help companies make informed decisions when selecting, evaluating and further developing logistics IT systems.

»Logistics IT Online Selection« for data-driven comparison of providers and systems

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Biennial publication on analysis results for the logistics IT market

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Project experience in logistics IT selection, implementation and further development

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