German firm Körber’s UCS unified control system can provide a single, vendor-neutral option for configuring and managing a depth of technologies in warehouses.

The supply chain industry is seeing a growing adoption of technology in the warehouse, which still tends to operate detached from the broader logistics network. Körber’s UCS overcomes this to orchestrate different warehouse technologies throughout the facility, including autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), voice, and mixed portfolios of material handling equipment (MHE).

“Supply chain executives consistently name software, hardware and technology integration as one of their top five challenges,” said Sean Elliott, CTO for software at Körber. “The unique capabilities of Körber’s UCS enable tailored deployments and streamline upgrades of an array of warehouse technologies – all in one place – to best support operations. This results in increased throughput, improved RoI and reduced system cost.”

The UCS provides a single option to optimise inbound and outbound workflows. It leverages warehouse management system (WMS) data to analyse inventory and resource availability and automatically allocates tasks to AMRs, people or MHE, based on their suitability, destination and current workload.

The vendor-neutral product manages and controls different technologies. It optimises task assignments and material flow end-to-end, boosting throughput and productivity.

Businesses gain more levels of control and adaptability, ensuring technologies adjust to operational requirements and not vice versa.

The vendor-neutral warehouse control system (WCS) capabilities manage mixed portfolios of warehouse automation systems and address the automation requirements of semi and fully automated warehouses.

General availability of the UCS will be early next year.

Körber provides a broad range of end-to-end supply chain technology fitting any business size, strategy or appetite for growth. The portfolio includes software, automation, mail and parcel technology, voice, robotics and materials handling, plus the expertise to tie it all together.

• Körber has unveiled its Evolve partner programme to empower players in the supply chain software market. Leveraging the success of Körber’s existing partner relationships, Evolve addresses small and growing partners, as well as global system integrators and consultancies, to capitalise on Körber’s One platform approach and a breadth of technologies including warehouse management and control, order management, voice, simulation, and robotics. The programme allows for different tiers of commitment and types of engagement.