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Workflow management software for logistics processes
Define which steps employees need to follow and monitor the execution of complex logistics processes. With Adaption’s workflow management software, you configure processes by customer, product, activity or logistics scenario.
Employees see which actions and checks are required, while planners maintain real-time insight into progress. This allows you to combine a standardized way of working with the flexibility your operation requires.
Configure processes based on your way of working
Ensure mandatory steps and checks are completed
Maintain a central overview of progress, execution and deviations
Discover in 15 to 30 minutes how Adaption supports workflows within your logistics processes.
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What is workflow management software?
Workflow management software controls the sequence of activities within a business process. For each logistics scenario, you define which steps must be performed, which checks are mandatory and which information must be recorded. This ensures that every employee knows what needs to be done and that the organization maintains control over the entire process.
Recognizable challenge
When processes become dependent on individual knowledge
Logistics processes often involve more steps than are immediately visible. Employees need to take customer agreements, product characteristics, quality checks, customs regulations and safety requirements into account.
When this knowledge mainly exists in employees’ heads, emails and paper work instructions, the organization becomes dependent on experienced employees. As an organization grows, it becomes increasingly difficult to ensure that processes are carried out consistently at every location and by every employee.
Adaption’s logistics solution
Centrally define and monitor logistics workflows
Within Adaption, workflows are part of the Logistics Cloud Suite. This means they can be applied within the Warehouse Management System, Transport Management System and Freight Forwarding System. A workflow is not separate from the operation, but linked to the relevant order, goods flow, customer or activity.
An inbound process, for example, may consist of receiving, inspection, registration, additional handling and putaway. The process only continues once the required steps have been completed.
The 5 benefits of workflow management with Adaption
1. Processes are carried out consistently
Every employee follows the same predefined process steps. This makes execution less dependent on individual knowledge or verbal instructions.
2. Mandatory checks are ensured
Important checks can be made mandatory before a process can be completed. This could include checking quantities, packaging, temperature, documents or labels.
3. Greater insight into progress
Planners and managers can see which steps have been completed and where a process still requires attention. This makes it easier to identify delays and bottlenecks at an early stage.
4. Fewer manual errors
Digital workflows guide employees during execution and reduce unnecessary data entry. This increases accuracy and ensures consistent registration.
5. Flexible configuration
Processes can differ by customer, product, activity or location. This allows you to standardize execution without forcing every situation into exactly the same workflow.
“Adaption stood out because of their approach: personal contact, fast response and the ability to translate our use cases directly into working solutions.”
Jeroen de Vries, ICT Manager at Dekker Transport & Tank Storage
How does workflow management work within Adaption?
1. Define the logistics scenario
First, you determine which process the workflow will be configured for. This could include:
- Inbound and goods receipt
- Storage and inventory movements
- Order picking and outbound
- Transport planning and trip execution
- Freight Forwarding and file handling
- Value Added Services
- Quality or customs checks
Separate scenarios can be used for different customers, products or goods flows.
2. Define the process steps
Within the scenario, you determine which activities take place and in what sequence. An inbound workflow, for example, could consist of receiving, damage inspection, counting, labelling and putaway.
Adaption supports flexible workflows that allow organizations to determine the sequence of inbound and outbound activities themselves. A warehouse can, for example, perform a quality inspection first and only add the goods to inventory afterwards.
3. Add instructions and checks
For each process step, you define which information an employee needs and which data must be recorded.
With Adaption’s instruction sets, mandatory checks, questions, comments and photos can be linked to an activity. The content can be tailored to a customer, product group, activity or employee group.
4. Execute the workflow
The employee opens the assignment and sees which step needs to be performed. On the work floor, this can be done using the Adaption Scan App on a smartphone, tablet or handheld scanner. During execution, data is recorded directly against the correct order or file. This eliminates the need for separate paper-based administration.
5. Monitor progress and deviations
The status of the process remains centrally visible. If a check is not approved or a deviation is registered, it remains linked to the relevant process step. This makes it possible to assess in time whether additional action is required before the workflow can continue.
Applications within logistics processes
Workflows can be used across different logistics processes to structure activities, clarify responsibilities and monitor progress. Depending on the process, an organization determines which steps, checks and registrations are part of the workflow.
Warehouse Management
Transport Management
Within transport processes, a workflow can support order registration, planning, allocation, trip execution and administrative completion. This makes it clear which actions are required before a transport can be planned, executed or completed.
Freight Forwarding
Forwarding files often consist of multiple dependent steps, documents and parties. Workflow support allows organizations to structure this process and clearly see which step or documentation is still missing.
Kwaliteit en compliance
Workflows can include mandatory checks for bulk goods, food products, hazardous goods or customs goods, for example. By digitally recording execution, organizations can demonstrate which checks were performed and by whom. This supports internal controls and audit preparation.
Seamlessly integrates with your current IT landscape
Adaption integrates seamlessly with your existing IT landscape and connects with the systems you already use. From ERP systems and webshops to carriers and accounting packages, all data flows come together in one logical whole. Thanks to open APIs, virtually any integration is possible. If your system is not listed, we will make it fit.
Workflow management and instruction sets
Workflow management and instruction sets complement each other, but they do not serve the same purpose. The workflow determines which steps are performed and in what sequence. An instruction set determines how a specific action must be carried out and which checks are required. An outbound workflow could, for example, consist of:
- Pick goods
- Check quantities
- Pack products
- Apply labels
- Release the shipment
During the packaging step, an instruction set can specify which material is required, which weight must be recorded and whether a photo is mandatory. In this way, Adaption combines process control with practical work instructions on the work floor.
Control over quality and compliance
For complex goods flows, it is not enough for a process to simply run quickly. Execution must also comply with customer agreements, internal quality standards and applicable regulations.
With workflow management, you define which checks are mandatory before a process is allowed to continue. Examples include:
- Packaging or seal inspection
- Temperature registration
- Batch and lot data verification
- Presence of mandatory documents
- Inspection of hazardous goods
- Registration of damage or deviations
The completed steps remain linked to the order or file. This makes it possible to reconstruct afterwards how the process was carried out.
Frequently asked questions about workflow management software
Workflow management software helps organizations digitally define, manage and monitor process steps. The system makes it clear which activities need to be performed and which step follows next.
A logistics workflow is a predefined sequence of activities within processes such as inbound, storage, transport or outbound. The workflow defines the sequence, checks and required registrations.
Adaption’s workflow management functionality is suitable for logistics organizations with processes consisting of multiple dependent steps, including:
- Logistics service providers and 3PL organizations
- Warehouses and distribution centres
- Transport companies and shippers
- Freight forwarders and forwarding agents
- Bulk operators and tank storage companies
- Food, chemical and manufacturing companies
The software is particularly relevant when working methods differ by customer, product or goods flow, while execution still needs to remain controlled and consistent.
Yes. Processes and instructions can be tailored to a specific customer, product group, activity or goods flow.
Yes. Specific checks or actions can be made mandatory before an employee can complete the process.
Yes. On the work floor, workflows and instructions can be carried out using the Scan App on a smartphone, tablet or handheld scanner.
A workflow determines the sequence of the entire process. An instruction set contains the specific instructions, questions and checks within an individual process step.
Yes. The workflow functionality is part of the Logistics Cloud Suite and can be applied within warehouse management, transport management and Freight Forwarding.
Digital registration provides visibility into which steps and checks have been completed. This supports traceability and makes it easier to retrieve process information during an audit.
Yes. Process configurations can be changed when customer agreements, regulations or operational working methods change.
Bring structure to complex logistics processes
With Adaption’s workflow management software, you digitally define process steps, checks and responsibilities. Employees are supported during execution, while planners and managers maintain control over progress.
Schedule a free demo and gain insight into:
How the workflow software works in practice
How it supports your logistics processes
The possibilities for integration and expansion
Schedule a free demo with Toon Schilder
Discover in 15 to 30 minutes how Adaption supports workflows within your logistics processes.
"*" indicates required fields