Features and innovations

Putting an end to logistics headaches in the media and book industry: Optimizing processes with ease.

The media and book industry is a colorful mix of publishers, bookshops, libraries, printers and media companies. It plays a central role in the dissemination of knowledge and entertainment. In this article, we take a close look at the specific logistical challenges that the industry faces on a daily basis. And don't worry, we're mainly talking about the solutions that streamline logistical processes in the media and book industry.

The logistical challenges are as diverse as the stories themselves. Like an author fluently continuing his book series, logistics systems in intralogistics must coordinate seamlessly between different material flow paths. From the routine processing of returns to the fine-tuning of shipping and route planning, external procurements and automatic replenishment strategies. Our warehouse management software ensures that every book finds its way to readers or bookshops on time and in top condition. But not only that, our software optimizes inventory flow and enables efficient management of last-minute challenges. Let's take a look at the processing of returns - which is ubiquitous in the book industry.

Returns are unsold books that are returned in an unpredictable condition. The reasons for returns range from overstocks and outdated editions to changes in demand or simply a lack of space. The complexity of this problem lies not in the returns, but in reintegrating the returns into the inventory. Some warehouse management systems reach their limits when dealing with the variable conditions that arise during processing. A flexible solution is needed and our warehouse management software offers one for successful returns processing.

Quality check made easy
At the heart of our solution is the QA inspection module, which handles the quality inspection of returns. With extensive functions and specific configuration options, checking is child's play. The ERP system and our warehouse management system work together seamlessly to ensure a smooth process. Returns are recorded quickly and easily and booked into the returns check warehouse. With just a few clicks, the books are classified as waste/rejects, 2nd choice goods or for restocking. Incoming goods staff can decide on the basis of their expertise whether the goods can be put back into storage directly or whether they need to be sent to the inspection warehouse.

Fast, cost-effective and sustainable shipping
In addition to the employees in incoming goods, our warehouse management software also supports the employees in shipping. This is because they face the daily challenge of ensuring fast and sustainable shipping for a large number of orders. From small individual orders to large orders. Orders have to be processed in record time in order to meet customer expectations and secure competitive advantages. But on the other hand, the global focus is pushing companies to go green and minimize their environmental footprint. This involves choosing the best shipping method, planning the optimal route and ensuring that products are packaged securely while saving packaging resources. This cocktail of requirements requires well thought-out logistics planning that takes customer wishes into account but also keeps costs under control. There is also the challenge of making processes as efficient as possible for employees.

Intelligent packaging, shipping and route planning before picking
Our warehouse management software optimizes the logistics flows as if by itself and thus manages the balancing act between speed and sustainability. Real-time data analysis enables precise forecasting and planning. Our innovative approach is based on comprehensive pre-planning, which precedes every order before it is picked. This is where these functions of our warehouse management software come into play:

  1. Calculation of the optimum shipping method and tour
    The volume and weight of an order, the resulting package types and the number of planned packages are taken into account. The delivery address and delivery date are used to precisely determine the appropriate shipping method and route. This minimizes CO2 emissions by optimizing the routes.
  2. Package planning by weight and size
    The books are measured and weighed in the incoming goods department. This data is stored in the warehouse management system in order to calculate the optimum carton size. Appropriate cartons are then suggested to employees at the packing station. This facilitates package planning and protects the environment, as less or no filling material is required.

Lean through the warehouse
Many bookshops and publishers not only receive their own products, but also order-related procurements, known as "external procurements", in the incoming goods department. Customers should be able to order any book, even if it is not part of the product range. However, this service also requires an additional process. Our warehouse management software separates the "orders". The items are sorted using an item scan and assigned a pseudo item number. The article should neither end up in the article master nor with additional information in the ERP system. Otherwise the maintenance effort would be enormous and unmanageable. Sorting makes it possible to transport the goods directly to the packing station (cross-docking) or to add further items from the warehouse to the order. This effective process saves valuable time and optimizes the entire logistics process.

‍Replenishmentmade easy
Inefficient handling of replenishment leads to delays in order processing and dissatisfied customers. Rescue from this dilemma comes in the form of our warehouse management software. Imagine your warehouse management system is able to automatically initiate replenishment processes as soon as stocks run low. How does this work? At the heart of this solution are intelligent replenishment rules that are stored in the warehouse management software. As soon as the software detects that stock levels fall below a defined threshold, a replenishment order is automatically generated. However, the replenishment quantities are not determined arbitrarily, but are based on a sophisticated logic. This logic takes into account the current demand and the optimum filling of the storage compartments of different sizes. This ensures that the warehouse always has sufficient replenishment stock for each item.

As you can see, our warehouse management software solves any challenge and is your best companion on the way to a smooth logistics experience. It offers comprehensive answers to the requirements for returns processing, fast, cost-effective and sustainable shipping and regular replenishment. Revolutionize your logistics processes with our software and stay one step ahead of your customers' expectations. Put an end to inefficient and performance-slowing processes. Invest in the future of your logistics - invest in the intelligent SuPCIS-L8 warehouse management software.

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