Proteus WMS and TouchStar Technologies to provide green warehouse solutions

Global Warming is high on the agenda of issues that have to be addressed, as conservation of energy is paramount if we are going to survive as a race.

The world looks at utilising alternative methods of generating power by harnessing energy from natural sources, i.e. wave, wind, solar and hydroelectric as alternative methods to fossil fuels as the main energy source. Businesses, under pressure to operate energy efficiently, and encouraged to have a green policy in place; have to report their energy usage consumption annually.

Effective management of energy usage gives companies the power to reduce waste and cut costs, leading to increased profitability.

Globalization, increasing environmental compliance requirements, and supply chain cost pressures are rapidly driving the need for improved sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programs. Warehouse operations are a prime example where energy (and therefore money) can be saved. Although this does require some analysis internally on the way the warehouse is currently set up.

Not only are there things like lighting and heating sources to consider, there is also the way that the warehouse currently operates, how it is laid out, the routes around the warehouse, stock movements and what systems are in place if any, as all have a bearing on energy usage and greener operability. It is highly recommended that a warehouse operations analysis is carried out, either by internal staff or an appointed agent.

Proteus WMS provide cost effective energy efficient solutions by examining existing practices and will, if required, evaluate the existing system and processes and deliver a full report on the potential to improve efficiency, expected to be between 15%-25%.

Flexible Energy Saving from Proteus WMS

Proteus WMS has been helping supply chain businesses achieve greater efficiency and productivity since 1987. Their customers are high volume distributors who supply to high street multiples and demanding end customers. Specialising in providing warehouse management systems that optimise warehouse and supply chain processes. The goal is to improve warehouse performance in order to maximise throughput in the warehouse; achieving cost savings for their customers that impacts their bottom line. As a leading WMS provider, Proteus is committed to delivering systems that are fit for purpose, energy efficient and cost effective.

A core function of Proteus WMS is the Warehouse Map - Mapping routes around the warehouse for putaway, picking and for replenishment of stock saves energy, truck fuel, and time (and therefore money). Because of the reduced number of stops made by the forklifts, the warehouse is greener due to reductions in fuel usage and the emissions into the atmosphere. Another core function is Task Interleaving - Putaways and picks can be can be carried out simultaneously by the same operative, saving time and energy.

Proteus WMS also can be used for Consolidation – Mixed items can be picked to the same pallet or mixed suppliers items can be shipped on the same pallet. Another cost saving and efficiency gain.

Feedback from a Proteus WMS customer is “Our picking accuracy now runs at close to 100%. Since the system was implemented our picking productivity has nearly doubled, bringing very significant cost savings to the business. Improved accuracy of stock levels and locations, and easy identification of hotspots of fast moving products, have been major factors in the improvement. It’s great to be able to manage the warehouse from my computer screen. I can see exactly who is doing what. Visits to the office with queries are virtually eliminated."

Further Green Savings

There are further opportunities to make energy savings as TouchStar also offers solutions for vehicle tracking and telematics within its portfolio.

“These technologies extend the potential for carbon reduction and ‘green savings’ beyond the warehouse, into the wider distribution element of the supply chain. Genuine and significant carbon reduction improvements can be achieved via reduction in vehicle mileage and improvements in driving technique, leading to significant fuel savings.” Karen concludes.

To see how Proteus WMS can help your business give us a call or send us an email.