ILS Sp. z o.o. is one of the leading companies offering logistics services. Thanks to the implementation of the PINQUARK system, the supplier has, among other things, significantly increased the efficiency of key warehouse processes.
Organisation/company: ILS Sp. z o.o. (an Inter Cars Group company)
Industry / type of business: TLS
Main challenge: rapid implementation of the WMS project, streamlining complex logistics processes – increasing work efficiency, independent implementation and development of the system by the Logistics Systems Development Department.
Solution: partial automation of goods receipt, dispatch, transfer and inventory processes, use of artificial intelligence algorithms to determine order picking paths, constant control over stock levels.
Benefits: rapid system deployment and easy integration, significantly greater flexibility and work efficiency, increased effectiveness of key warehouse processes.
About ILS Sp. z o.o.
ILS Sp. z o.o. was established in 2012. The company provides warehousing, distribution and transport services for many industries, including the automotive, chemical and FMCG sectors. ILS Sp. z o.o. has three logistics centres in Poland and oversees the operation of other warehouses located in Poland and abroad. The company also provides 3PL (third-party logistics) services.
ILS Sp. z o.o. is the logistics operator for the Inter Cars S.A. Capital Group. Thanks to the company's support, Inter Cars carries out direct dispatch of goods to various regions of Poland and to European countries.
Successfully met challenges
In connection with the dynamic development of logistics services, ILS uses modern technologies and solutions thanks to which it achieves optimisation of the processes carried out. Among them are, inter alia:
- Continuous optimisation of warehouse processes and costs
Thanks to new competencies and the use of the latest technologies, as part of the PINQUARK WMS implementation project, the company's processes are becoming increasingly efficient - No errors
The implementation of new system solutions has reduced the risk of error in the order fulfilment process to almost zero - Delivery punctuality
Precisely planned warehouse management, including the use of the PINQUARK WMS system functionality, means better customer service and a response to growing demands regarding delivery timeliness and speed - Utilisation of the latest warehousing solutions
Logistics is one of the key elements in building a competitive advantage for ILS Sp. z o.o.’s clients; that is why the company is committed to continuous development in this area – it invests in new technologies and systems
Scope of implementation of the PINQUARK WMS system.
As part of the collaboration and the ongoing project, the following modules and processes have been launched.
Warehouse mapping
The operation of the PINQUARK WMS is based on a warehouse layout that contains the exact locations of, among other things, all aisles, racks, shelves, and their occupancy levels. The system also allows for the virtual division of the warehouse into multiple ordered zones and logical areas, which differ from one another, for example, in the goods storage model, product rotation method, type of stored items, or possible warehouse operations. Thanks to this functionality, it is possible, for example, to jointly store identical or similar goods belonging to different clients or to divide the warehouse into zones assigned to different business partners – which is particularly important in the case of companies operating in the 3PL model. Dividing the warehouse into multiple logically ordered zones allows for the optimal use of its space and, consequently, the reduction of storage costs for items.
Goods receipt process
The PINQUARK WMS allows you to create the most efficient goods receipt process schema possible, which enables the standardisation and ultimate optimisation of work throughout the entire facility. The system takes into account the scale of operations as well as the type and number of products received into the warehouse. Detailed verification of goods and shipping documents can be carried out during or immediately after unloading. The final stage of the goods receipt process is labelling, potential consolidation, and the placement of goods in the warehouse in accordance with guidelines developed by artificial intelligence.
Picking and dispatch process of shipments
Based on data that is continuously collected and updated, the artificial intelligence algorithms of the PINQUARK WMS system calculate and suggest optimal order-picking routes in real time. These routes can be determined according to various criteria, such as the shortest picking route, the shortest picking time or the optimal distribution of goods on a pallet. The intelligent WMS system takes into account more variables than a human is capable of. The time taken to calculate the entire picking route is less than 0.5 seconds – it is recalculated after each item is scanned. The PINQUARK WMS system learns the transit times between locations, enabling it to determine picking routes with increasing accuracy. The system minimises the number of empty runs by warehouse staff and forklift operators and helps to solve the so-called Travelling Salesman Problem (TSP).
Goods transfer process
MWS PINQUARK utilises artificial intelligence algorithms capable of creating models for the optimal storage of goods in a warehouse – so as to maximise the use of warehouse space, minimise the amount of unused storage space, optimise the time required to place products in the warehouse, and increase the efficiency of order fulfilment processes. The WMS takes into account many complex factors and variables – far more than a human is capable of – these include, amongst others, the optimisation of warehouse space, the type, weight and size of products, serial numbers, the most common purchasing patterns, seasonality and product expiry dates. It is worth noting that the PINQUARK WMS is constantly learning from the data it collects and the processes it carries out. This means that the longer the artificial intelligence algorithms operate in the warehouse, the more sophisticated and increasingly complex processes they are able to develop. Unlike traditional methods of allocating storage locations (e.g. ABC analysis, the XYZ method, the EIQ method or the ABC-FC method), the WMS system is able to adapt processes instantly and seamlessly to rapidly changing conditions in the warehouse.
Inventory process
The WMS PINQUARK enables full (warehouse-wide) or partial stocktaking. This means that the user can carry out a quick stock check based on various criteria, such as batch number, expiry date, article type or product group. Furthermore, with the support of the WMS PINQUARK system, stocktaking can be carried out on an ongoing basis (continuous stocktaking) – while the warehouse is operational. The process does not require halting the facility's operations or blocking storage zones and goods intended for sale. As a result, all stored goods can be picked from the shelves without having to wait for the process to finish – stocktaking can run in the background alongside other processes necessary to maintain the continuity of warehouse operations. It is worth noting that the system also makes it possible to conduct stocktaking of logical (virtual) warehouses.
Stock levels
The PINQUARK WMS is equipped with a module that enables the tracking of goods movement. This is possible by assigning specific data to stored items, such as receipt date, production batch number, serial number, weight, certificates, attestations, or expiry date. The WMS system builds and updates lists of item records in real time, which form the information base about the stored goods. Thanks to this functionality, the PINQUARK WMS enables accurate product batch tracking and provides full control over the stored goods, taking external dispatches into account. What is more, the artificial intelligence algorithms used by the PINQUARK WMS suggest which goods should be dispatched first – a particularly valuable functionality for companies storing, for example, foodstuffs or pharmaceuticals.
Predefined reports
An essential feature of the PINQUARK WMS is its reporting module. System users have the ability to configure their own reports, i.e. analytical dashboards. These feature predefined, graphical indicators that provide real-time insight into warehouse performance. Depending on individual needs, the user can independently determine the scope of statements and reports generated by the system – the content and appearance of the dashboards can be tailored to the individual preferences of a given company. Access to detailed predefined reports significantly facilitates business decision-making and allows for a quick response to emerging challenges.
Printing of labels and waybills
The PINQUARK WMS makes it possible to automate processes associated with generating and printing labels and shipping notes. As a result, not only is order processing time significantly reduced. Printing your own warehouse labels also makes managing work in the warehouse much easier. It is worth emphasising that labels on goods considerably streamline the stocktaking process. Product batch labels and logistic unit labels can be used in the supply chain as so-called logistic labels.
Key benefits of implementing the PINQUARK WMS
Meritus Systemy Informatyczne, in collaboration with ILS, has launched the PINQUARK WMS system for a warehouse operated by ILS Sp. z o.o. The facility is situated near Pruszków, close to Warsaw. The warehouse is operated by the Polish branch of a Canadian 3PL client. The company’s offering on the Polish market covers four sectors: internal transport, agriculture, tracks for construction machinery, and tyres for construction machinery. Camso operates factories on four continents: in Europe, South-East Asia, North America and South America, and its own distribution centres in 26 countries, including one in Parzniew.
„The Meritus team understood our needs very well, selecting the right solution to support the achievement of our business objectives. A very good knowledge of the logistics industry, innovative technologies and tools made it possible to implement the project in accordance with the assumed schedule and goals. As the Logistics Development Department Manager at ILS, I appreciate the commitment of the Meritus team, their openness to understanding our needs, excellent knowledge transfer and professional project implementation. I recommend cooperation with Meritus Systemy Informatyczne to any company that cares about a quick and effective implementation of the innovative PINQUARK WMS system.”
– said Lech Pawlicki, Logistics Development Department Manager at ILS Sp. z o.o.
- Short project turnaround time
- Increasing the level of warehouse automation
- Improving health and safety at work
- Improving employee efficiency
- Increasing the efficiency of warehouse processes
- Efficient warehouse space management
- Efficient goods and stock control
- Optimised supply chain
- Lower warehouse management costs
