As delivery times decrease and customer expectations rise, small and medium-sized companies face the added challenge of a shortage of skilled workers in warehouses. How can they effectively address these challenges?
The solution lies in using an intelligent and modular software solution, such as GEBHARDT StoreWare. This software automates processes, reduces errors, and enhances transparency without the need for extensive IT projects or costs running into the millions. It integrates warehouse management, control of automated systems, and real-time data into a single platform.
Digitalisation is Essential for SMEs in E-Commerce, Retail, and Industry due to the Increasing Competition.
Customer expectations are rising, delivery times are shortening, and error rates must be minimised—all while operating with limited staff and tight budgets. Relying on outdated Excel spreadsheets, manual entries, and a lack of oversight results in unnecessary costs, prolonged search times, inventory inaccuracies, slow order picking, and a general lack of transparency. Modern warehouse management software, such as GEBHARDT StoreWare, provides SMEs with a straightforward way to automate processes and significantly reduce errors, even without an in-house IT department.
All Warehouse Processes in One System: WMS, WCS, and IoT
Are you looking to monitor stock levels in real time, control automated systems, and minimise downtime? GEBHARDT StoreWare integrates three essential components into one cohesive system:
- Warehouse Management System (WMS): This component manages stock levels, goods receipts, order picking, and dispatch.
- Warehouse Control System (WCS): This system oversees automated warehouse components, including Warehouse Robotics, conveyor technology, shuttles, and high-bay warehouses.
- Internet of Things (IoT) Layer: This provides real-time data, visualisations, energy optimisation, and predictive maintenance.
This integrated approach enables medium-sized companies to plan, control, and monitor all warehouse processes within a single system, making it scalable, intuitive, and eliminating the need for oversized IT infrastructure. For logistics planners, fulfilment service providers, and industrial warehouses, this solution is essential for a smooth and scalable supply chain.
Advantages for Small and Medium-sized Companies
GEBHARDT StoreWare provides significant competitive advantages, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises:
- Intuitive User Interface: Designed for ease of use, requiring no dedicated IT department—this allows for quick training and simple navigation.
- Modular Implementation: Begin with essential functions of a robust warehouse management software and expand with additional intralogistics solutions as needed.
- Fast Integration: The system can connect seamlessly to SAP, Microsoft Dynamics, or be operated as a standalone solution.
- Immediate Measurable Benefits:
- Achieve 100% inventory transparency in real time
- Reduce the error rate during order picking
- Significantly increase delivery speed
- Optimise resource utilisation and energy efficiency
Online retailers often face challenges during promotional campaigns or seasonal peaks, resulting in a surge in order volume while their warehouse processes remain manual and prone to errors. With GEBHARDT StoreWare, you can automate order picking, gain real-time transparency, and ensure smooth shipping processes.
Successful Use of StoreWare: A Case Study
One example of StoreWare's successful implementation is at 11Teamsports, one of Europe’s largest online football retailers. As their order numbers rapidly grew, GEBHARDT StoreWare facilitated the installation of a highly automated shuttle and racking system. This system includes visualisation tools, data analysis capabilities, and energy-efficient controls.
StoreWare is also effective on a smaller scale. A spare parts dealer with just a few storage locations digitised their goods receipt, storage location management, and order picking processes. As a result, they managed to reduce their delivery times by 50% without needing to restructure their physical warehouse.
Future Trends in Warehouse Automation
Digitalisation in intralogistics software is progressing rapidly, and StoreWare is prepared for the future with intelligent solutions and automation for contemporary warehouse processes. Key trends include:
- AI-supported forecasts for demand and utilisation
- Autonomous robotics solutions for picking and placing items
- Energy optimisation through smart control systems
- IoT-supported real-time status monitoring
Transforming to a Digital Warehouse with GEBHARDT StoreWare: Simple, Flexible, Scalable
Whether you operate a fulfilment service, an e-commerce shop, or an industrial company, GEBHARDT StoreWare provides a solution that allows you to gradually digitise and automate your warehouse logistics according to your specific requirements. GEBHARDT StoreWare is designed to adapt to your company, whether you have a manual warehouse or a highly automated facility.
