Italian multi-utility group Iren is deploying Infor’s warehouse management system (WMS) to automate the logistics processes for its business units while optimising inventory.

The project will be carried out by Infor local partners Lutech Group and Spindox.

Iren will entrust the technological transformation project to Lutech for the WMS deployment and for the design and development of its pick-and-go process, and to Spindox for its Ublique decision intelligence platform.

Once live by the end of 2023, Iren expects improvements in inventory accuracy, use of physical spaces, traceability of goods, optimisation of management and reordering policies.

The project started in September 2021 and is part of the group’s Logistics 5.0 programme, which envisages the transformation of the operating and organisational model that Iren has designed to make its supply chain increasingly efficient to address business challenges and meet customer expectations.

The core of the supply chain management project is a Lutech offering based on Infor’s WMS technology, which consists of an automated warehouse management system with a global visualisation model and processes with features that include cross docking, multi-sequence storage capabilities, wave management, business process management (BPM) workflow and 3D visual warehouse to automate and streamline all warehousing operations. The labour management feature should increase efficiency and reduce costs.

Monitoring the real needs of materials and reducing waste of resources are also crucial for optimising interventions and improving satisfaction and reducing working capital. These objectives can be achieved thanks to Ublique, Spindox’s decision intelligence platform, which supports the management of decision-making flows in complex contexts, thanks to the integration of analytical models and artificial intelligence techniques such as mathematical optimisation, machine learning and dynamic simulation.

“This logistics digitisation project is the result of the integration of skills and experience gained over time in various fields and markets,” said Emilio Vandelli, industry leader for energy and utilities at Lutech.

Within the technological infrastructure is the pick-and-go process for picking up materials by Iren operators when warehouse personnel are not present. The process allows for the rapid picking of outgoing materials through an automatic exit or by scanning the QR codes affixed to the shelves.

“Logistics functions have never been so strategic as in this period of very rapid transformation that the global economy is experiencing, also in the multi-utility sector,” said Vito Gurrieri, procurement, logistics and services director of the Iren group. “More volatile and uncertain essentially due to the post-pandemic and the global geopolitical situation, there is an increasing need to adopt digital processes based on data sharing, today more than ever the fulcrum for managing future challenges. Topics such as economic, environmental and social sustainability are increasingly urgent, and are driving an evolution of corporate organisations, processes and skills.”

Bruno Pagani, Infor Italy general manager, added: “Our Infor WMS, together with the expertise of Lutech, will allow Iren to optimise warehouse activities and costs, ensuring a high level of customer service. Additionally, the benefits of the AWS-based cloud environment will provide high scalability, security and ease of upgrade, further simplifying Iren’s processes.”

And Giulia Gestri, chairman of Spindox, said: “At a time when energy resource issues are central on the international and Italian scene, it is key to have a partner like Lutech, a leader in the energy market, and it is significant for us at Spindox that Ublique proves once again a valid ally for companies in this sector such as Iren.”

Iren is a multi-utility in north-west Italy covering electricity, gas, thermal energy for district heating, energy efficiency and the management of integrated water, environmental and technological services.