Process consulting and selection of a WMS

Transparent processes, clear requirements, reliable system selection

As part of the project at groninger, a future-proof warehouse management system (WMS) was selected. To this end, target processes were first developed, visualized and documented in a comprehensive catalog of requirements in order to create a reliable basis for the system selection. At the same time, potential WMS providers were evaluated. The most promising candidates were bundled and evaluated in a shortlist. On this basis, a well-founded recommendation for action could be derived for the management.

With Rothbaum, we had a partner who advised and supported us as equals. The structured and analytical approach helped with the system selection and is now also providing the right basis for the implementation project.
Tobias Wollmershäuser, Head of Warehouse & Logistics groninger & co. gmbh

groninger & co. gmbh

groninger & co. gmbh, based in Crailsheim, Germany, is a leading international manufacturer of specialized machinery for the pharmaceutical, cosmetics and consumer healthcare industries.
The family-owned company employs over 1,600 people and generates total sales of around 300 million euros (2024).
In addition to the headquarters in Crailsheim, groninger has two other locations in Schnelldorf and Charlotte (USA).

Services

Analysis of existing logistics processes and system landscape incl. identification of optimization potentials
Definition of future target processes including specific requirements
Preparation of the functional tender document (RFP/RFQ) including relevant use cases
Supporting the tender and selection process including beauty contests

Results

Structured decision-making basis created for the selection of the future WMS
Optimized target processes developed and clearly presented in BPMN notation
Requirements catalog and functional tender document created to obtain comparable offers
Longlist and shortlist of suitable providers drawn up
Well-founded recommendation for the final system selection developed on the basis of the evaluation procedure

Flowchart overview of the target process for control station, picking and consolidation with several process steps and branches — The core logistics processes were analyzed, optimized and converted into target processes. The process visualization in BPMN notation provides a clear and comprehensible basis for the system requirements and shows the superordinate material and information flows as well as responsibilities in logistics.

Project description: Process consulting and selection of a WMS

The existing warehouse management system at the Crailsheim site is to be replaced by a future-proof solution. The aim was to optimize the logistics processes, modernize the system landscape and optimally prepare for the WMS implementation.

Procedure

First, the existing actual processes in logistics and the current system landscape were analyzed and optimization potential identified.

Based on the potentials, requirements for future target processes were then derived in joint workshops. These formed the basis for the visualization of end-to-end target processes.

Based on this, a catalog of requirements was developed and a tender document including relevant use cases was created. A two-stage selection process was then used to choose the most suitable and sustainable system provider for groninger.

With the chosen approach, the process owners were involved in the WMS selection process at an early stage and the upcoming implementation project was prepared.

A comprehensive catalog of requirements was developed based on the target processes and the existing system landscape. It contains the main requirements for each defined end-to-end target process, as well as additional requirements for other secondary processes. The catalog of requirements forms the basis for the subsequent preparation of the tender document (RFP/RFQ).

Results

The structured analysis of the existing logistics processes, the development of target processes and the close involvement of the process owners created a clear and consistent target image for the future logistics processes at groninger.
The end-to-end target processes formed the basis for a detailed catalog of requirements and the functional tender document. This made it possible to objectively evaluate supplier offers and check their suitability.
On this basis, a longlist and then a prioritized shortlist of suitable WMS providers were created in a multi-stage selection process. The structured evaluation process resulted in a reliable, fact-based recommendation.
With the defined target image, the clearly formulated requirements and the careful selection of providers, a decisive foundation stone was laid for implementing the WMS efficiently, purposefully and with a high level of acceptance.

Flowchart with four steps for evaluating suppliers in the beauty contest based on the utility value method, including presentation, scoring system, weighting factors and overall utility value determination — In a two-stage evaluation process, the most sustainable WM system provider for groninger was selected from a longlist via a shortlist.

Rothbaum-Success-Story-groninger

Dominik Fackler

Senior Manager

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Do you have questions about the success story or about selecting a WMS? Or do you have a specific project inquiry? Send me your message and I will get back to you as soon as possible.

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