Achieving peak logistics performance with platform-independent client dialogue guidance

Windows CE – that was then. A few years ago, Microsoft announced that support for the Windows CE and Embedded Handheld operating systems would be discontinued in 2018, and that the final version would reach ‘End of Life’ status by 2020 at the latest.

Windows CE – that was then. A few years ago, Microsoft announced that support for the Windows CE and Embedded Handheld operating systems would be discontinued in 2018, and that by 2020 at the latest, even the final version would be in ‘End of Life’ status.

The consequences of the announcement were not long in coming: Android-based handheld devices found their way into logistics centres around the world.

However, this development has not yet reached every corner; a very large number of Windows CE devices are still in use.

Our customers are asking themselves: Will Android establish itself in the industrial environment and meet the high demands regarding data protection, robustness, maintainability and security? Will alternatives emerge that better serve the needs of customers?

iFD has been addressing this transformation for some time. Particularly in the case of the Warehouse Management System (iFD WMS for short) and Forklift Guidance System (iFD SLS for short) applications, it was not uncommon until recently for Windows CE devices to be used to ensure the correct execution of business processes.

Now, iFD provides the solution to all Windows CE and Windows Embedded issues: the new iFD web-based dialogue interface.

Optimised for use on mobile devices, iFD offers a future-proof way to make the switch to Android, iOS or devices running other operating system variants. To use the web dialogue guide, the new mobile devices simply need to have an HTML5-compliant browser. Thanks to its platform independence, iFD’s innovative web dialogue guidance can be used immediately on new devices at no extra cost.

The web dialogue utilises a modern front end, which, through clever functions, enables the ergonomic and time-saving handling of even the most complex business processes. This allows the following functions, amongst others, to be optimally implemented:

• Picking using a list view
• Taking photos during the process with automatic archiving in the WMS
• Display of graphics to assist the logistics specialist
• Capturing signatures during goods receipt / internal goods transport and much more.

Anyone who has had the chance to try out the dialogue interface in action will quickly notice that exceptional user-friendliness, combined with impressive speed when navigating through business processes, undoubtedly ensures maximum productivity.

Due to the constantly growing range of products in the handheld market, the switch to Android MDEs is becoming even more attractive, thanks to increasingly cost-effective and powerful devices.

Curious? Get in touch! The iFD team would be happy to show you the new software solutions in a virtual presentation and provide you with a guide to implementing them in your own company.

Mr Burkhardt will be happy to answer any questions you may have, tel. +49 371 53 880 224.