Description

BOX ID ProcessGuard is an innovative scanning solution for the shipment of goods in distribution logistics. On the one hand, it uses active IoT technology to monitor the circulation of returnable transport containers across the distribution network and ensure their optimal rotation. On the other, the solution combines ergonomic scanning technology with a real-time feedback loop to the customer’s ERP system to mishandle picking and monitor the entire transport process in terms of conformity to the system view.
Automated reconciliation, taking into account defined process logics, can ensure correct allocation and avoid any errors in shipping. The system is able to match the scanned information with the target assignments in real time and provide feedback to the employees in real time (approx. 200ms).
The scanning solution monitors the entire process of loading goods and packages onto various means of transport such as rollcages, system pallets, pallets and other load carriers used in the shipping process. This is done by scanning barcodes on the packages and goods as well as QR codes on the means of transport. The IDs contained in these codes are used to query the planned destinations for goods and containers from the customer ERP.

Innovations

The most important innovations and new features in the BOX ID ProcessGuard compared to previous products on the market are:

• Proactive avoidance of human errors: Human errors in the supply chain cause significant costs due to wrongly delivered goods, wrong deliveries and resulting returns. Here, the system provides real-time reconciliation between the virtual Target process according to ERP/EWM and the actual actual actions of the workers (via scan data) and the ACTUAL container movements (via IoT tracking), thereby proactively eliminating loading and transportation errors through a real-time feedback loop.
• Real-time feedback to workers and mishandling safety: The BOX ID cloud system is designed to check and transmit feedback on individual work steps in real time (here: 200 ms maximum). The worker is given immediate audio-visual feedback on each work step during loading and route assignment of the containers via the mobile device used for scanning. In case of errors, the continuation of the process is prevented and corrections are requested, so that actual safety in handling errors is achieved.
• Flexible integration with ERP/EWM system and existing scanning infrastructure: The present system is cloud-based and has a flexible interface to both ERP/EWM systems (including for SAP-EWM, S&P SHC) and existing scanning infrastructure (including for ProGlove, Zebra, Standard EPCIS) and can thus be integrated and put into operation quickly and with low effort. End-to-end tracking of the processes is thus ensured.

Market relevance

The target group of the BOX ID ProcessGuard includes all companies with shipping logistics that want to improve the robustness and efficiency of their processes. Here, the solution enables to reduce operational costs, increase customer satisfaction and improve competitiveness.

• Retailers: Retail companies that ship goods on a large scale can benefit greatly from this solution. They need to ensure that the correct products arrive to customers on time to ensure customer satisfaction.
• Manufacturers: Manufacturing companies that ship their products to customers or distributors need a reliable shipping solution to ensure robust supply chains and avoid production downtime.
• Wholesalers: Wholesalers who ship large quantities of goods to retailers or other customers are equally targeted. They depend on smooth logistics to provide the best possible service to their customers.
• Logistics service providers (3PL): Companies that offer warehousing and delivery of goods as a service are another important target group. Efficient supply chain processes are crucial to their success.

Due to the flexible system architecture of the BOX ID solution, it can be integrated with low effort and effectively into the quite different ERP/EWM landscapes of the aforementioned industries.

Customer benefits

The main advantages of the BOX ID ProcessGuard mainly concern the efficiency and robustness of the shipment of goods:

• Error minimization in shipping to zero errors: The system reduces human errors to virtually zero. Automated matching of scan data with target assignments from the ERP system ensures that packages, goods and means of transport are correctly assigned. This minimizes errors that can lead to costly returns, delays and dissatisfied customers.
• Positive involvement of workers: The system provides real-time feedback to shipping workers via handhelds or wearables. This allows them to correct errors immediately, which increases process efficiency and ensures worker acceptance through ergonomic integration into the process.
• Flexible integration into the ERP/EWM systems: Integration with the customer’s ERP system offers the advantage of seamless communication and data consistency throughout the supply chain. Information collected on the store floor is directly synchronized with enterprise-wide data.
• End-to-end view: The system provides a comprehensive end-to-end view of goods tracking on load carriers. This eliminates gaps and uncertainties in the supply chain by monitoring the entire process from picking to delivery to return of the transport containers.
• High cost savings and extremely fast break-even of investment costs: Every shipping error avoided reduces returns and rework. This results in significant cost savings in operations. Previous customers (including several Würth Group companies) have seen a payback within the first 12 months.
• Environmental benefit: Fewer missing shipments and returns mean a reduction in packaging material and energy used for reshipment. Similarly, maximum rotation of shipping containers is ensured and waste due to their downtime is avoided. The solution thus contributes significantly to reducing the carbon footprint of the shipping process.