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The aim of this study is to analyze how digitalisation and system integration in an automated warehouse affect outbound transport planning and capacity utilization. An exploratory case study has been conducted and is based on interviews, observations and literature studies.

The results show that despite a high degree of automation in warehouse processes, transport planning is still largely based on manual working methods, where the use of Excel constitutes a central part of the planning process. Furthermore, experience-based decision-making dominates over data-based decisions.

A further central challenge is the lack of system integration between heterogeneous IT systems and platforms, such as ERP, WMS and SAP, which in some cases leads to limited real-time information, fragmented data and inefficient data transfers. These challenges negatively affect capacity utilisation and can be exploited in over- or underfilling of trucks, which in turn can lead to pallets that are to be delivered to customers being left behind. The study also shows that small deviations between planned and actual volumes can have major consequences and reduce both the reliability and robustness of the planning process.

The study also identifies several improvement opportunities. Increased digitalisation, improved system integration and developed data visualization can contribute to a more data-driven, robust and efficient transport planning process. The results also indicate that improved traceability and decision support can reduce manual efforts and improve resource utilization.