Efficient intralogistics workflows

Take your hardware to the next level to delight your customers

LIOS (LTW Intralogistics Operating System) enables the central control of all applications of an intralogistics system via a single user interface. As a result, all relevant employees always have the perfect overview and can perform their tasks efficiently.

Software is a central component of modern intralogistics solutions. Together with our customer LTW Intralogistics, we have developed the LTW Intralogistics Operating System (LIOS), an intuitive user interface. LIOS enables the central control of all applications of an intralogistics system via one single user interface.

As a result, all relevant employees always have the perfect overview and can perform their tasks efficiently – directly in the warehouse or remotely from the control room. LIOS provides a clear overview of live information and historical data, which are displayed clearly and concisely.

The Challenge: Reduce complexity with intuitive operation

The workflows in intralogistics are usually complex and time-critical. In the past, you would have had to switch between several applications, possibly even different terminals, and numerous dialogues to process transport orders. This is because the information to be processed comes from different systems or system levels: Transport orders, for example, can come from the PLC (programmable logic controller), from the MFS (material flow system), and also from the warehouse management software.

We have worked towards a browser-based unified front end to simplify workflows for easy and intuitive operation. Users should be able to execute their tasks with just a few clicks and an easy-to-learn user experience, and easily resolve any errors that may occur.

The solution: Complex warehouses in one user interface

LIOS Cockpit provides a unified front end: The added value for LTW customers starts with intuitive user and warehouse management. Fault messages are comprehensible and self-explanatory. Users can easily create, edit and delete jobs. And the goods configuration is flexibly adaptable to locations and customers.

Integrating new features into the core software is usually challenging, but the modular design of LIOS makes it easy to add new features to the software library: the stable software core allows for flexible updates and upgrades as needed.

During the development and further development of LIOS, various quality gates and test principles are applied: every new program code is reviewed according to the four-eyes-principle and every new feature is manually tested in various configurations. Automated unit tests, integration tests, and end-to-end tests are carried out daily. In addition, long-term tests regarding the performance and stability of the software are continuously carried out in dedicated test environments.

The LIOS Mobile Operator provides advanced visualization and operation, including support for mobile devices such as tablets. Tablets can be taken directly into the field and used as HMIs (Human Machine Interfaces) for system control. This also applies to safety-critical applications, where, for example, system (parts) can only be controlled with two hands and/or from defined locations. The tablets are easily attached to physical storage surfaces to which they are connected with a key switch, enabling switch and emergency stop function.

LIOS Mobile Operator:

- Expanded control options: Tablets allow more flexibility in control and monitoring.

- Manual mode: Users can individually select and manually control various drives for commissioning and troubleshooting stacker cranes and conveyors.

- Emergency mode: Especially in the initial commissioning phase, when no network technology or server is available on site, key system control functions can be performed directly via a web server on the PLC and smartphones.

- Intuitive operation: Operation can be performed without manuals or lengthy training, as it is intuitive and quick to learn.

- Meets the highest safety requirements: Plant control with LIOS Mobile Operator meets the highest safety requirements.

Our partner: LTW Intralogistics GmbH

Since its foundation in 1981, LTW Intralogistics GmbH has implemented over 950 projects in more than 35 countries. LTW's end-to-end solutions offer high system availability, optimal use of space, and safe storage of a wide range of products. The components are largely manufactured at the parent company Doppelmayr Holding SE, which is known for ropeways for passenger and material transport. Due to the manufacturing quality according to ropeway standards, LTW customers receive robust intralogistics systems. The intralogistics specialists flexibly adapt the components to customer needs.