FAQ

What are the components of Logistikbude?

Logistikbude consists of a web-based platform and an associated app, the companion app. Logistikbude is operated on Microsoft servers in Germany. Customers do not need any hardware of their own apart from a suitable smart device. This means that our solution can be used immediately.



What does Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) mean?

Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) refers to computer software provided in a cloud with the corresponding IT infrastructure. This means that no hardware other than an Internet-enabled computer is required and the software is always up to date. The fee payable for this is based on individual user behavior.



How long will it take before I can use your solution?

The solution is ready for immediate use. The modern cloud architecture makes the system suitably scalable even for large quantities of load carriers.



Do I need a mobile device to use it?

The accompanying app (Companion App) runs on all modern smartphones based on iOS or Android as well as on android-based industrial scanners (MDE). Mobile devices are necessary for scanning load carriers and documenting the exchange, however, this data can also be generated by connecting existing hardware such as laser scanners. Please feel free to contact us!



Why are you called Logistikbude?

„Bude" is the common name for a kiosk in the Ruhr area. This is where you go when you need something quickly and easily. The Bude is a meeting place for exchange and at the same time a symbol of reliability - it is still open when all supermarkets have already closed. Thus the name represents what we want to stand for: Reliable, easy-to-use software that simultaneously questions existing processes and solves them in a new way.
In addition, Logistikbude has a second meaning for us: The name stands for the open, humorous way in which outstanding people work together at our company.
By the way, the name was originally a working title based on initial feedback from our mentor Prof. Michael ten Hompel. He urged us to think bigger, "after all, you are not a kiosk".



Why load carrier management software?

Without (returnable) load carriers, there are no efficient logistics processes. Imagine if all the items in a supermarket had to be transported there in large quantities. The tens of millions of load carriers have to be tracked and managed to avoid shrinkage. Today, it is possible to set up an in-house pallet management system or to hire a service provider. In both cases, load carrier management software is used.



How much does load carrier management cost me? What does it cost me if I don't have load carrier management?

This depends heavily on the load carrier types and quantities used. In the case of a Euro pallet, however, the process costs exceed the new price after just two cycles.
In any case, the costs can be reduced by 60-80 percent with Logistikbude and at the same time the process duration of the handling can be more than halved.



How do exchange and tracking fit together?

Logistikbude would like to take a holistic approach to the topic of load carrier management. This includes both load carriers in open pools (e.g. Euro pallets, mesh boxes or KLTs) and the company's own load carriers (e.g. racks, special load carriers or tanks). These two basic types of load carriers entail different requirements: While the load carriers in open pools primarily have to be managed, the company's own load carriers have to be tracked and data generated.
Both come together in Logistikbude and can be tailored to the needs of one's own company.



How does the solution help me with account reconciliation?

Logistikbude automates the reconciliation of exchange accounts. To do this, the accounts are either managed with Logistikbude or imported from the company's own system via interface or CSV import. Logistikbude then automatically writes to the exchange partner, who can view, confirm or correct the bookings and create their own bookings on a website without registration. The user is kept permanently up to date via a dashboard.
On the one hand, this significantly reduces the amount of staff required for reconciliation, as the system performs many steps automatically, and on the other hand, reconciliation can take place on an ongoing basis instead of just once a month, so that invoices can be created more quickly.



Wich components are AI based?

Our software uses AI algorithms in many places to speed up calculations. Examples include image recognition in the app, the translation of sensor data into logistical events, and the analysis of imported CSV files.



Why don't you use blockchain?

Blockchain technology offers many exciting added values. However, on the one hand, it requires a large amount of computing power, which would slow down the performance of our solution, and on the other hand, it would require local installations, which contradicts our principles of simplicity and out-of-the-box functionality.



Whereis the data stored?

All data is transferred securely and stored on servers in Germany. These are operated by Microsoft and are based on the most modern security standards. This means that your data is safe with us.



What is new about your solution? What sets you apart from other solutions?

Our solution combines tracking of own carriers with management of carriers from open pools in one solution. We use the latest technologies, from AI algorithms to cloud computing and IoT devices.
The user doesn't notice much of these technologies, as we place great emphasis on ease of use. Long training sessions are a thing of the past.



What components need to be installed?

Apart from the app, our software is not installed. It runs completely web-based and can therefore be operated via the common browsers (e.g. Chrome, Firefox, Safari or Edge).



What are the requirements to implement your solution?

Apart from the interest in optimizing your own load carrier management and thus saving costs, you do not need any other prerequisites.



Which mobile devices are supported?

We support all iOS devices as well as Android devices from Android 4.0. This also includes Android-based industrial scanners (MDE).



Is there an interface description?

Yes, of course! Our solution has detailed interface documentation in Swagger. This allows you to transfer almost all data into your own systems.



Can I connect IoT tracking devices?

Yes, we can connect IoT trackers and have already done so with various manufacturers and technologies. In the logistics cabin, for example, load carriers are already tracked via NB-IoT, LTE-M, LoRa and Sigfox. In addition to localization, we also transmit loads, humidity or temperature, for example.



Are there any instructions on how to use the software?

Our software is designed to be self-explanatory. There is also a short introduction at the beginning. If you need further support, please feel free to contact us via this website or at info@logistikbude.com.



How do I get Updates?

Updates are automatically installed by us at regular intervals of about two weeks. You do not need to do anything else.
The app updates are distributed via the respective operating system, just like all other apps.



Where can I report technical problems?

You can reach us through this website or at info@logistikbude.com.



What challenges does Logistikbude adress?

Logistikbude addresses the two central challenges in load carrier management: tracking and managing load carriers. On the one hand, this reduces the costs caused by shrinkage, long lead times and high replacement costs due to a lack of transparency about processes and inventories. On the other hand, the effort required for documenting exchange transactions and reconciling exchange accounts is minimized, while the duration of the reconciliation process is more than halved.



What distinguishes Logistikbude from other providers in the field of load carrier management?

Logistikbude was developed at the Fraunhofer Institute for Material Flow and Logistics and is based on state-of-the-art technologies such as cloud computing, Big Data algorithms, artificial intelligence and Iot sensors. These are combined in such a way that old processes are not digitally mapped, but completely eliminated.