Logistics concept, logistics consulting

The foundation of a logistics consultancy and every logistics concept is a comprehensive data analysis. This includes the recording of the current situation as well as the analysis of the current and future expected quantity structures. At the end of the first phase of the logistics consultancy, the objectives for further planning are jointly defined.

Current situation assessment during the logistics consultation

• Recording of current functional areas (incoming goods, outgoing goods, storage areas, buffers, picking, dispatch, production transfer, etc.)
• Load carriers (containers, pallets, special load carriers)
• Process recording (receiving, storage, picking, consolidation, packaging, loading, etc.)
• Technology in use (warehouse, conveyor technology, etc.)

 Quantity structures

• Analysis of master, movement and inventory data (period of months to years on a daily or hourly basis)
• Summarisation of determining logistical parameters
• Identification of structural information (e.g. order information, ABC distributions, batch capability)
• Analysis of article information: Proportion of articles suitable for containers
• Extrapolation of the quantity structures to the company's growth targets

Formulation of logistics consulting goals

• Identification of bottlenecks (processes, capacity, throughput)
• Derivation of potential courses of action

Based on the results of the data analysis and the formulated planning objectives, potentially suitable solution concepts are developed and compared within the framework of the logistics consultancy. At the end of this phase of the logistics consultation, the advantages and disadvantages of the rough concepts are highlighted in order to be able to make a decision for which variant a logistics concept will be created in the next step.

Each rough concept includes

• Intended materialflow between the functional areas
• Rough dimensioning of the identified functional areas
• Proposals for semi-automated or automated warehouse technology, including established as well as new, innovative warehouse systems.
• Proposals for linking the functional areas by means of conveyor technology, automated guided vehicles or manual transports
• If required, concept for linking to existing systems

Evaluation criteria for logistics consulting

• Fulfilment of capacity requirements (number of storage spaces)
• Fulfilment of performance requirements (picks per hour, order items per day, etc.)
• Economic efficiency, TCO - Total Cost of Ownership
• Building and fire protection requirements
• Other criteria specified in the planning objectives (redundancy, storage density, possibilities for expansion)

This phase of the logistics concept is concerned with the elaboration of the preferred solution variant at the end of the rough concept phase. At the end of this phase of logistics consulting, a logistics concept is available that can be implemented taking into account the influencing variables. For this logistics concept, the investment can be estimated as a first approximation and a non-binding realisation schedule based on empirical values can be drawn up.

The logistics concept includes

• Design of internal logistics and process description (linking of functional areas, warehouses, workstations)
• Determination of storage and picking strategies
• Requirements for warehouse management software, connection to corporate IT
• Dealing with performance peaks
• Inclusion of structural requirements and conditions, e.g. fire protection, floor loads, connection to existing buildings
• Exchange with architects and fire protection planners to be involved by the customer
• Layout of the logistics concept
• Budget price calculation of the investment costs
• Estimate of operating costs
• Non-binding realisation schedule (estimate)

The project planning phase of the logistics consultancy involves the detailing of the agreed logistics concept. Klinkhammer presents the procedure and the results in a final presentation. All results of the detailed planning are also made available in a report in the form of a final presentation. As a final result of the logistics consultancy, you will receive a binding fixed price offer including a realisation schedule.

Results of the logistics consultancy:

• Drawing of the layout of the agreed logistics concept, taking into account the specifications of the building.
• Storage and racking systems with dimensions for on-site fire protection measures (sprinkler system, inerting, smoke extraction, ventilation)
• Calculations regarding fulfilment of the specified system performance: System load and limiting performances, cycle time calculation and logistical hubs
• IT architecture and communication (structure diagram)
• Presentation of the procedure and results
• Documentation of all results of the detailed planning in the report
• Binding fixed price offer
• Binding realisation schedule

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