How Lindner Use KNIME to Bridge System Gaps and Improve Logistics Efficiency

Efficient system integration with KNIME

Lindner needed to ensure efficient system integration to make sure its logistics processes functioned well.

Subsystems such as time-slot management software, truck tracking systems, and optimized loading processes, need to be integrated to give logistics teams visibility, improve forecasting accuracy, and ensure process reliability – all of which are essential for maintaining low operational costs.

Lindner's Logistics Planning Department faced these challenges:

• Missing foundational data in the ERP system: For instance, essential data-object-levels, such as loading and unloading stops, crucial for tracking and loading, were absent. Furthermore, additional processes were lacking, necessitating a comprehensive solution.
• Necessity for extensive ERP modifications: Enhancing the ERP system to include these features would have been a significant undertaking.
• Transport Management System (TMS) Implementation Timeline: With the introduction of a TMS software planned for the future, but not imminent, an interim solution was necessary to integrate time-slot software, tracking software, and loading software with minimal effort. A 5-year bridge was needed until a TMS could be implemented. KNIME provided an exceptionally good, swift, and flexible solution for this interim period.

Enriched ERP data through interactive browser-based data applications

KNIME's flexibility and modularity enabled Lindner to rapidly build tailored solutions for almost every requirement they had.

“Our logistics planning department now utilizes KNIME for prototyping and complex evaluations, including assessments of delivery quality, punctuality, and reliability of freight forwarders, as well as internal quality monitoring,” says Markus Pfaffinger.

KNIME allowed Lindner to deploy solutions for:

• Data enrichment integration: With KNIME, enriched ERP data is now automatically sent to respective subsystems in the required format (e.g., REST API, .DAT, XML), ensuring real-time data synchronization, reduced manual errors, and enhanced overall system efficiency.
• Automated PDF-report generation: The process of generating freight cards for drivers is now automated with KNIME, providing a timely and clear overview of stops, including addresses, time windows, and contact persons.
• Customized automated email notifications: KNIME allows Lindner to automate the email send process, which has improved communication efficiency and reduced manual effort.
• Automated creation of database entries: For use in evaluations or further logistics operations, streamlining processes and enhancing data-driven decision-making.

Using KNIME, Lindner developed a solution that efficiently consolidates data from multiple sources and enriches it, making it accessible through interactive, browser-based data apps. 

Clear processing steps significantly improve process reliability

"Now, we can easily share analysis with our shipping dispatchers via browser-based data applications," said Markus Pfaffinger.

KNIME's user-friendly interface leads to:

• High level of user acceptance: Short and clear development cycles give employees quick results
• Smooth deployment because users quickly familiarize themselves with KNIME’s intuitive interface and can independently deploy use cases to production.
• Improved process reliability thanks to transparent processing steps.

KNIME opens door to a new era of logistics optimization

Ultimately, KNIME has opened the door to a new era of data analysis and logistics optimization, and we are committed to continuing to leverage the benefits of this innovative tool.