Automation is unavoidable

ogistics and warehousing are fields where all relevant informatics solutions are worth using if one wants to increase efficiency and retain their competitiveness. As hardware and sensor prices are going down, various technological solutions are becoming affordable to smaller businesses as well. In the logistics domain one of the key tasks is the optimisation of the fleet and the routes. According to Szintézis Zrt. CEO Dávid Szabó, systems have to be able to plan precise loading and optimal delivery in the knowledge of weight, size, order, vehicle weight and size, loading plan and various priorities. This task has become even more complex after the introduction of the Electronic Trade and Transport Control System (EKÁER). Mr Szabó told that Pricer electronic shelf labels are already capable of emitting light signals, so that items are easier to find in the warehouse. RFID technology can be used to monitor cart movement in the warehouse, to identify goods or to transmit data and do administrative work more simply. The CEO reckons that everything should be automated if possible. István Giesz, the managing director of ProgAdat Kft. told our magazine that the use of mobile solutions is spreading rapidly. He sees growing demand for payment made out in the field. In 2014 a new trend prevailed: people using their own mobile devices to do their work. These can be connected to the company IT system if certain apps are developed. It is needless to say that this trend raises data safety questions too. Mr Griesz opines that these days several mobile devices can do the same tasks as warehouse PDAs used to do. The only exception is the scanning of barcodes: smartphones can do it but they are only good enough in situations occurring in everyday life. New mobile devices not only use wi-fi but also GSM-technology mobility. We learned from Lajos Szabó, managing director of iData Kft. that competition is getting stronger in road freight forwarding. Costs are rising and the market has been contracting, therefore companies are desperate to cut costs. Consequently, smaller companies with 10-20 vehicles are also interested in efficiency-increasing solutions. For instance iData’s solutions can be connected with route planning and ERP systems – the result is an IT system that guarantees efficient and transparent operation. One of the best features is that the software notices it in time if the driver is behind schedule, so he can be called and asked about the delay and the partner waiting for the transport can be informed about the new arrival time. n