Westfalia’s software works as WMS and WCS for both automated and conventional facilities

Westfalia (Booth 1236) has enhanced its Savanna.NET warehouse management software (WMS) over the past two years to get “SMART”—an acronym that encompasses system monitoring, reporting and troubleshooting, said Dave Williams, director of software development.

“The software can act as a WMS, a warehouse control system (WCS), or both,” noted Williams. “Additionally, the same system controls both automated and conventional warehouses—eliminating the need to learn multiple interfaces.”

With Web-based, remote monitoring and access to the system’s advanced reporting functions, managers can pull a variety of datasets for comparative analysis across shifts, timeframes, SKUs, equipment and different facilities in multiple locations. “For further customization, a company can even drag-and-drop their own reporting requirements directly into the system for a custom view of the warehouse,” he said.

Speaking of views of the warehouse, Williams also demonstrated a 3D, 360-degree navigable view of a facility floor that shows both conventional and automated equipment. Users can add or subtract layers to hone in on the exact degree of detail required. “Should an error occur on the floor, that area will be highlighted visually in this view,” he said.

For users who are more comfortable with metrics, data can be displayed in an intuitive spreadsheet format, or graphically in charts and tables.

We are getting more requests from our customers to help them manage and analyze their data—not so much for a review of past trends, but more as a means for predictive analysis,” Williams added. “Particularly, once they’ve integrated more automation in their process, they look for new ways to manage their warehouse more efficiently than ever before. Savanna.NET’s functionality helps achieve those goals.”

ProMat 2013 is scheduled to be held January 21-24, 2013 in Chicago’s McCormick Place South. The tradeshow will showcase the latest manufacturing, distribution and supply chain solutions in the material handling and logistics industry. Modern’s complete ProMat 2013 coverage.