U-Mind: WMS

We design the connected intralogistic management

The Warehouse Management System (WMS) serves as the central intelligence behind the complete logistics operation. We meticulously crafted this software with a user-centric approach, endowing it with the capability to seamlessly accommodate the diverse logistics challenges of Ulma’s customers. Its intuitive, flexible, and efficient functionalities are designed to ensure adaptability and practicality.

Sector

Logistics

Services

Data visualization
Design research
Product Design
Service Design
User Experience
User Interface

Status

Finished

Duration 2016-2019

What is Ulma Handling Systems?

Ulma Handling Systems provides intralogistics solutions. ULMA automated warehouse systems offer an optimal solution to the complex material management system in the hardware and DIY sector, considering service and product quality parameters of vital importance.

Challenges

The shift in technology presented a significant opportunity to overhaul the entire application. Given the extensive array of functionalities within the WMS, comprehending the processes and devising an information architecture that proved both valuable and meaningful to users emerged as a pivotal aspect of this project. Furthermore, the transition in technology necessitated a comprehensive redesign of all components and patterns.

Our contribution

We meticulously charted the principal processes using actor and system maps as well as blueprints. Our collaboration with domain experts was intensive, enabling us to grasp each concept comprehensively. This facilitated the creation of a controlled vocabulary that systematically named entities, statuses, actions, attributes, and more. This mapping exercise not only enhanced the team’s comprehension of Ulma’s operations but also proved instrumental for Ulma’s commercial services in elucidating their warehouse operations.

Given the intricate nature of the WMS application, reliance solely on tables and forms for functionality wouldn’t suffice. The significance of status awareness prompted the incorporation of visualizations and visual tools. These aids empower users to gauge the warehouse situation across various scopes, ranging from broad areas and corridors to specific transport units.

Highlights

A holistic approach to intralogistics.
Hand in hand collaboration with experts.
Heavy and destailed mapping and flow definition.
Advanced visualizations for status awareness.
Design systematization and rationalization.

Inmersive research

We visited the current warehouses and conducted a service safari to observe their operations, understand their actual needs, and immerse ourselves in the real environment where the Warehouse Management System (WMS) is utilized.

Operation definition through blueprints

Blueprinting proved to be highly effective in ensuring a seamless orchestration of the warehouse operations across various channels. Not only did it assist us in encompassing all aspects of the operations, but it also served as a valuable tool for Ulma to elucidate the functioning of their warehouse systems to both existing and potential customers.

Visualization for status awareness

A warehouse is a dynamic space, which implies that each location can exhibit varying statuses throughout the day. For an operator, being cognizant of these statuses is crucial to avert warehouse malfunctions stemming from inadequate or excessive supplies. To address this, we developed several visualizations aimed at providing real-time insights into the condition of every corridor and shelf.

A thorough systematization

To establish not only a design system and component library, but also a systematic approach for crafting the visualizations, an extensive examination of color usage was undertaken. This endeavor facilitated distinct differentiation of statuses and furnished users with convenient visual cues to aid in their decision-making process.