Warehouse Automation Higher throughput, lower costs: The sure path to a fully integrated warehouse
Customers expect speed—can your warehouse keep up?
Today’s market demands speed and flexibility. But expensive technology is only half the battle: without an overarching control system, you risk creating inefficient “islands of automation.” Learn how to orchestrate your warehouse with maximum efficiency in this free white paper.
Growing Market Pressure: Where Valuable Potential Is Lost in the Warehouse
Short lead times and rising cost pressures are forcing logistics companies to take action. However, relying solely on hardware such as shuttles or autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) for automation is not enough. In practice, inadequate interfaces block the flow of materials. When individual subsystems cannot communicate with one another, throughput times increase and the expected return on investment (ROI) shrinks. Only an overarching warehouse management system like PSIwms seamlessly synchronizes all your processes, equipment, and employees in real time—and transforms your individual technologies into a highly efficient, integrated system.
PSIwms: Your key to maximum throughput and seamless integration
As the central “control tool” of your intralogistics system, PSIwms resolves interface issues and connects people, software, and machines into a highly efficient unit.
Your benefits at a glance:
- Vendor-neutral integration: Seamlessly connects state-of-the-art automation technology from various manufacturers and eliminates isolated “islands.”
- AI-powered optimization: Increases your throughput, reduces errors, and optimizes picking routes in real time.
- Integrated control (WMS/MFC/WCS): Coordinates all control levels on a single platform for a smooth material flow.
- Future-proof flexibility: Flexibly adapts to your growth—either on-premises or as a scalable cloud-based SaaS solution.
Benefit from over 50 years of PSI logistics expertise and make your processes future-proof.
What you’ll take away from this white paper
Get valuable industry insights and tried-and-true guidelines for your upcoming automation journey. Among other things, you’ll learn:
- The 4 stages of warehouse automation: Determine your current level of maturity and plan your next steps strategically.
- Strategy meets control: How WMS (Warehouse Management), MFC (Material Flow), and WCS (Warehouse Control) work together optimally to achieve maximum performance.
- Avoiding mistakes when selecting a system: Why purchasing hardware without first consulting with your WMS provider carries a high risk.
- WMS migration during live operations: Learn from the real-world example of Empik how a complete system replacement can succeed without a single minute of downtime.
- 60% Higher efficiency through synchronization: See how ASMET unlocked maximum performance by seamlessly integrating shuttle storage, AGVs, and manual processes.
- Checklist for investors: Your practical guide to optimally preparing for your next automation investment.
Download white paper
Master warehouse automation with success
Discover how to avoid costly standalone automation systems and future-proof your processes. Seamless integration of software and hardware reduces your operating costs and maximizes throughput. Download the white paper for free now!
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
What exactly are “automation silos,” and why are they a problem?
Automation silos arise when state-of-the-art hardware (such as conveyor belts, shuttles, or AMRs) is operated as isolated, unconnected systems. Without an overarching control system, these systems cannot communicate effectively with one another. The result is unplanned bottlenecks, extended lead times, and a reduced return on investment (ROI) for your entire investment. A centralized WMS solves this problem by orchestrating all individual systems according to a unified business logic.
Why is the equipment manufacturer’s factory-installed control software (WCS) usually not sufficient on its own?
The Warehouse Control System (WCS) merely controls the machine’s direct mechanics (e.g., starting a conveyor belt). However, it lacks strategic business logic. Only a higher-level Warehouse Management System (WMS) has a comprehensive overview of inventory, priorities, and customer orders. An automated warehouse achieves maximum efficiency only through the optimal combination of strategy (WMS), flow control (MFC), and equipment control (WCS). You can find specific details on this interaction in Chapter IV of the white paper.
Is it possible to replace or implement a WMS during ongoing operations without any downtime?
Yes, absolutely. While a system change during ongoing operations requires precise planning, it can be carried out without any interruption to daily warehouse operations. In our white paper, we use a specific case study to show you exactly how such a system change can be implemented highly efficiently in practice.
How can a warehouse be successfully automated step by step, and where is the best place to start?
Successful warehouse automation is not an all-or-nothing project, but rather a modular, step-by-step process. In practice, a model consisting of four sequential development stages has proven effective: The path leads from purely manual processes through initial systemic and mechanical support to fully automated real-time control. To avoid overextending yourself financially or operationally, it’s important to have a clear understanding of your current situation. Our white paper provides you with the optimal roadmap and shows you how to make your warehouse future-proof, safely and step by step.
Logistics IT proven over decades for maximum project reliability
The successful integration of sophisticated warehouse technology is only possible with a partner that combines proven stability with agile innovation. As part of PSI Software SE, we implement logistics IT projects of all sizes worldwide—across industries, vendor-neutral, and future-proof.
Why logistics decision-makers trust PSI:
- Industry expertise: We know intralogistics inside and out and translate this in-depth knowledge into cutting-edge digital solutions.
- Hardware independence: We are not tied to any equipment manufacturer. PSIwms integrates any technology (AMRs, shuttles, high-bay warehouses) in a manufacturer-neutral way, protecting you from vendor lock-in.
- Project reliability: Complex system migrations during ongoing operations are part of our core expertise. We guarantee minimal downtime and maximum performance from day one.
Don’t rely on promises—rely on proven standards and in-depth industry expertise. PSI Logistics is your strategic partner on the path to a highly efficient, automated warehouse.