Cirrus Logistics, the internationally recognised pioneer of advanced software solutions for the logistics sector, has just released the 11th generation of CLASS, its highly successful decision support tool used to enhance warehouse layout and, by using simulation techniques, to optimise warehouse operations. Launched to an audience of senior managers from national and international manufacturers, retailers, logistics providers and industry consultants, CLASS 11 quickly reveals the real issues impacting warehouse activity with easy to understand information and immersive 3D graphics. It allows assumptions to be tested in the risk free environment of a computer and delivers results that can readily be translated into improved performance in the real world.
The new Simulation Flow Analyser means that users can now check input data at a glance. By looking at inbound and outbound flows and comparing volumes across all warehouse activity, the Analyser reveals discrepancies in the proposed flows, as well as the extent of their impact, enabling users to revise their data before running the simulation.
The new What-if Wizard allows managers to rapidly create What-if scenarios and run them through the simulation model. By this means, users can easily assess the impact of any number of changes across the vehicle movements, volumes and activities in the warehouse as well as identify ways to maximise the capacity of their facility and avoid the need for significant additional investment. CLASS 11 is indeed a tool for the credit starved months ahead in 2009!
In addition, Cirrus has further developed the customisation ability of CLASS, which can be applied to team structures, task definitions and the type of unit handled at any stage in the simulation. Introduction of new 3-D objects serve to increase the visual impact and ‘real’ picture delivered by the simulations which have already demonstrated in previous versions, the power to communicate a compelling case and achieve team ‘buy-in’.
One of the companies represented at the launch was Belron, the world’s largest, dedicated vehicle glass repair and replacement company. Belron has recently used CLASS to help plan the layout of two new warehouses and, in the case of one, to determine capacity into the future and, in the other, to facilitate the best pick sequencing. Commenting on this experience, Richard Cooke, supply chain manager, Belron, says: “The models proved to be extremely close to the real thing and, as a result, we were in a position to deliver the highest level of efficiency from day one.”
Bob Blightman, managing director of Cirrus Logistics, says: “The very different challenges to which CLASS is now being applied around the world demonstrates the power of the tool to reveal the complexities of warehouse layout and operations in a way that users can understand. In the current economic climate, this is crucial as managers strive to optimise efficiency and control costs more rigorously than ever before.”
More information about CLASS can be found at www.classwarehouse.com
More information about Cirrus Logistics can be found at www.cirruslogistics.com
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