5 ways to stay ahead in unprecedented times

Some businesses were able to keep up with the demands, while others struggled to maintain supply chain efficiencies.

So, what made the difference between these businesses thriving and struggling?
Below are just 5 of the benefits our SynQ software has brought to automated distribution centres serviced by Swisslog over the past 18 months. These benefits continue to deliver for our customers throughout the ongoing global effects of the pandemic.

1. Stock planning and complete SKU visibility

During the pandemic, SynQ’s advanced algorithms are ensuring slower moving stock is positioned deeper into the automated storage, and faster moving goods are positioned on the outside of the automation for swift retrieval. The software also manages peak demands and enables site operation teams to evaluate stock levels and make real time changes to improve stock retrieval and availability for dispatch.

2. Ability to be adaptive and responsive

SynQ’s Single Point of Control (SPOC) provides standard, easy-to-use screens across the platform, so operators and managers have a familiar and consistent way to interact with the system across operations, and across a broad range of devices. SynQ’s service-based architecture embeds intelligence throughout the operation, which, along with its business intelligence tools and the Single Point of Control, helps distribution centres better anticipate and respond to changes in throughput, without over-investing in people or processes.

3. Track and traceability

Hygienic practices have risen to high prominence as a result of Covid-19, so reduction in manual handling through automated solutions has become a driver of the success of companies in retail, food and beverage, and fast-moving consumer goods industries. Furthermore, SynQ software provides the ability to track and trace every product, so that companies can ensure that all hygiene, quality and safety standards and practices are being adhered to.

4. Maintaining operations with a limited workforce

When governments impose restrictions on employees allowed in the warehouse, or encouraged working from home, SynQ is able to intelligently connect and synchronise automation equipment, robotics, people and processes to maximise distribution center order fulfillment. SynQ enables remote management of sites and technologies, allowing companies to continue operations with reduced staff on-site.

5. Efficient supply chain management

Automation sites are able to adopt Industry 4.0 principles by using key SynQ Managers to support live operations. SynQ Availability Manger and SynQ Cockpit Manager have been developed to support live operations and take data to enable operations teams to drive efficiency, maintenance windows, and identify key processes to make intelligent decisions and to improve supply chain efficiencies. SynQ operator interfaces are standardised across various warehouse systems, training requirements are reduced, workforce flexibility increases, and operator efficiency is improved. Because the SynQ platform supports multiple warehouse control modules, it enables the use of a universal user interface across multiple warehouses.

Learn more about how SynQ can help optimise your warehousing and logistics operations in the full blog post here: www.swisslog.com/5-Ways-SynQ-HSS