Towards a Platform for Widespread Embedded Intelligence - ERCIM

Net-WMS - Towards a New Generation
of Networked Warehouse Management Systems
by Bruno Le Dantec
Net-WMS is a new project managed by ERCIM with the objective to integrate
virtual reality and optimisation techniques in a new generation of networked
businesses in Warehouse Management Systems under constraints. The project
has been set up in the frame of the ERCIM Working Group 'Constraints'.
Warehouse Management Systems
(WMS) are evolving from controlling
goods movement and storage to light
Net-WMS project participants.
manufacturing, transportation and order
management. Demands from end users
are asking for WMS solutions with decision-making
applications and networked
environment.
The Net-WMS project proposes a software
solution enabling the expected new
generation of networked businesses
WMS. Net-WMS will handle networked
communication and co-operation processes
through the integration of decision-making
technologies, generic 3D
placement primitives, virtual reality for
3D visualisation, interactivity to design
packing models, knowledge modelling.
The added value and competitiveness
increase of the Net-WMS solution will
be characterised by shared expertise,
easy deployment and maintenance, flexibility,
interoperability, better resource
handling and access to remote services.
The Net-WMS achieved prototype applications
for processes in a networked
WMS will include:
• a packing modeller of items based on
virtual reality and optimisation techniques
• a palletiser tool using optimisation
techniques
• a dispatcher with the virtualisation of a
truckload
JOINT ERCIM ACTIONS
a• set of interfaces will enable Net-WMS
communication between several planning
components across a network.
Net-WMS-generated knowledge will be
shared in networked warehouses, thanks
to its interoperability and user friendly
interface designed for plant level technician
users. Net-WMS optimisation
developments will also be made available
for the whole community through
the enhancement of the Choco opensource
system. The achieved optimisation
technologies will enable 20% saving
for packaging costs. The project gathers
nine European organisations having a
recognised expertise in logistical and
packing problems as well as software
development in supply chain optimisation.
Net-WMS complementary and
multidisciplinary consortium includes 3
SMEs, 2 large manufacturers and 4 academics
and research centres.
Net-WMS began in September and has a
duration of three years. The project is
partly funded by the Sixth Framework
Programme of the European
Commission. The project consortium is
composed of nine partners from research
and industry, including the ERCIM
members SICS and INRIA.
Link:
http://net-wms.ercim.org
Please contact:
Bruno Le Dantec, ERCIM office
E-mail: bruno.le_dantec@ercim.org
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ERCIM News No. 67, October 2006