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FKI LOGISTEX® COMPLETE UPGRADE TO WAREHOUSE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM AND GRAPHICAL USER INTERFACE SOFTWARE FOR M-REAL
  • GUI and control software for WMS designed and implemented in just 12 weeks
  • All key dates met and project completed on time and on budget
  • Upgrade adds greater functionality including enhanced reporting
  • Continues FKI Logistex’ 20-year status as M-Real’s key supplier for automated material  handling equipment

FKI Logistex® – a leading global supplier of automated handling systems – has successfully completed the design and installation of Warehouse Management System (WMS) control and Graphical User Internface (GUI) software at M-Real’s National Distribution Centre in Sittingbourne, Kent. The upgrade of functionality from the existing standalone Stock Distribution System (SDS) was completed, on budget and on time, in just 12 weeks.

M-Real is one of Europe’s leading producers of paperboard and paper and has been using FKI Logistex systems for more than 20 years. In 2001, FKI Logistex was the Total Project Integrator (TPI) for the greenfield construction of the UK distribution centre. They also installed a semi-automatic pallet handling and distribution system comprising eight semi-automatic, free-roaming Maestro cranes, a multi-level conveyor system and racking. GUI and 802.11g wireless technology was added to the system in 2005. The existing standalone SDS software was implemented by FKI Logistex in 2000, and the latest upgrade integrates the SDS functionality into WMS replacing the obsolete SDS servers and software.

The upgrade provides M-Real with a single WMS controlling all warehouse movements and a greater degree of management information and movements reporting which is crucial to their continued growth. Following the successful handover, two FKI Logistex engineers will remain on-site, 24/7, as part of an ongoing Customer Service & Support (CSS) contract.

The WMS upgrade included the introduction of a third satellite warehouse for the storage and distribution of pallets and reels. The operation of the satellite warehouses was changed significantly to enable operatives to initiate and maintain control of internal and external warehouse movements. The interface between the M-Real host system and WMS was enhanced to enable communication of all warehouse movement details.

Ian Stevens, Business Development Manager for Software and Enhancements, FKI Logistex Europe, added: “Relatively small projects require the same attention to detail in translating customer objectives into real-world systems as the major high-profile installations with which FKI Logistex is usually associated.”

M-Real’s Dave Haines, Logistics and Warehousing (Contracts) Manager, commented: “All key timescales were met in full in the short 3-month installation period and the functionality of the new system has exceeded even my high expectations. FKI Logistex’ knowledge of our business, built up over many years, is certainly one of the key reasons why this has been so successful. I am totally delighted with the outcome of this project, which is a testament to FKI Logistex’ level of professionalism and expertise.”

 
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