Swisslog releases software platform to get the most out of automation

SynQ – short for Synchronised Intelligence – is a flexible and adaptable cloud-enabled software that intelligently connects and synchronises automation equipment, robotics, people and processes. The software’s ability to adapt to future technology will see users benefit from a future-proof operation, where additional functionality can be securely added, helping businesses capitalise on the opportunities emerging as Industry 4.0 evolves.

“SynQ provides the software platform that future hardware will rely on,” says Swisslog’s Tim Eick, VP Software and Controls Development. “To get the most out of automation and robotics we are increasingly reliant on data and interconnectivity. It’s what is driving Industry 4.0 forward and allows users to deliver on promises to customers in the smartest way possible.”

As a best-in-class intralogistics software platform, SynQ enables insights, optimisation and agility in storage and distribution operations. It represents a new approach that advances Swisslog’s proven warehouse management software without leaving current users behind.

SynQ not only encompasses warehouse management, material flow and automation control systems functionality, it also provides an array of business intelligence tools that allow smart forecasting through real-time data analysis, in a modular platform.

“While SynQ represents a new approach to warehouse management software, it retains the core technology and functionality of our WM 6 warehouse management software,” says Tim Eick. “We’re upgrading deployment options such as cloud and fog capabilities while ensuring field-proven performance and upgradability / semi-automated upgrade paths for our existing WM 6 customers.  We as well have created migration tools for our older legacy customers.”

SynQ functionality, services and crucial supporting processes are organised around three pillars: a Collaboration Platform, Operational Services and Intelligence Services. 

“The Collaboration Platform modules provide continuity no matter the level of automation the business has installed,” explains Swisslog’s Tim Eick. “Operational Services deliver industry-standard processes and high-speed automation for maximum performance, while Intelligent Services allow smart growth in a dynamically changing market.”

Extendable “Directors” as well as independent or integrated extendable “Managers” allow SynQ’s integration with ERP or third party WMS software as well as new or existing material handling equipment. Directors and managers expose networked interfaces which facilitate embedding intelligence throughout the entire operation. The result is a synchronised flow of products and information across people, processes and equipment to enable new levels of material handling performance.

“The capabilities of SynQ directly correspond with the direction Swisslog is headed as digitisation and Industry 4.0 advances,” said Dr. Christian Baur, CEO of Swisslog’s Warehouse and Distribution Solutions division. “Together with the common functionality for warehousing and material flow control, the SynQ platform offers operational processes specific to our focus segments – E-commerce/Retail, Automotive, Food & Beverage and Pharmaceutical.”

Concludes Dr. Baur: “In today’s competitive world, companies must be able to deliver the right orders to the right customers at the right time. As a full-service provider of automated intralogistics systems, Swisslog provides everything companies need to optimise logistics from planning through implementation and acting as a lifetime partner. We are looking forward to shaping the future of intralogistics through a new era of flexible, robotic and data-driven automated solutions that create exceptional customer value.”