About Client
We got contacted by a German Department of a big online shop: a supplier of tools and workshop equipment for tools with its warehouse network. They needed some custom warehouse management solutions. Each warehouse of our customer used conveyors and automatic processes for putting tools in lifts, printing and packing orders, and sending them to their customers.
Business Challenge
The customer was seeking an external software developer with hands-on experience in warehouse logistics software development, WPF Windows applications, Windows Services, Web API, and C#. Their internal developer was leaving the project, creating an urgent need for a reliable partner to take over all responsibilities without disrupting ongoing operations. Given Elinext's reputation for delivering high-quality software engineering services, including building custom warehouse management solutions, the client turned to us to ensure the continuity and scalability of the desktop-based solution.
The project focused on automating warehouse logistics, integrating multiple backend services for managing tools, packing, printing, and shipping workflows. Each service needed to function independently but remain tightly connected to the broader ERP system and warehouse hardware.
- Development and Coordination of a Microservices Architecture
Several backend services (e.g., Warehouse Connector, Parcel Orchestrator) had to be developed and orchestrated to handle distinct parts of the warehouse workflow. Ensuring smooth communication and synchronization between them was critical for reliable system behavior.
- Real-Time Processing and System Responsiveness
The backend needed to support real-time operations tied to physical movements in the warehouse (e.g., scanning, lifting, conveyor movement). Any delay could interrupt the workflow, requiring extremely responsive and stable service logic.
- ERP integration for warehouse management
Backend services had to be tightly integrated with the ERP system to register tools, validate operations, and ensure consistent data exchange. Challenges of ERP integration for warehouse management included maintaining data accuracy, preventing duplicate entries, and handling API failures gracefully.
- Hardware Abstraction and Compatibility
The backend interacted with various hardware components like barcode scanners, label printers, and conveyor systems. Developers needed to abstract hardware communication and ensure compatibility across different models and firmware without hard dependencies.
- Android Application Development for Barcode Scanning
As part of the workflow, an Android app had to be developed to enable warehouse operators to scan tool barcodes efficiently. The challenge was to ensure real-time communication with backend services, accurate scanning performance, and a user-friendly interface for non-technical users.
Process
Project Development
Initial warehouse logistics software development and stabilization
- All core backend services (e.g., Warehouse Connector, Parcel Orchestrator) were developed and launched.
- Ensuring services are operational, fixing small bugs that appeared in early use.
ERP Integration & Workflow Fine-Tuning
- Integration of backend services with ERP systems and hardware workflows (scanners, lifts, printers).
- Streamlining data flows
- Syncing records with ERP
- Refining hardware responses.
Web API – AutoDoc Development
- A new Web API (“AutoDoc”) was developed to expose internal data for documentation and operational visibility.
Android App Development – “Stock Taking”
- Java-based app built for Datalogic Memor barcode scanner devices.
- App included selection of warehouse, barcode input, and manual price/description entry
- Submission to the database via the Web API was made
System Optimization and Monitoring Setup
- Logging, diagnostics, and error-handling improvements across all services.
- Improving recovery from edge-case failures.
Architectural Refinement
- Code refactoring for better maintainability and performance under scale.
- Optimizing database queries
- Revising inter-service calls.
Here is how warehouse logistics software development went. When bugs in services needed a fix, the Elinext developer received precise instructions. Upon developing new applications or modules, or some features of custom warehouse management solutions, clear specifications were given.
Final Product Overview
As expected, during the three years of cooperation, many modules were completed, and lots of tasks were fulfilled in regards of custom warehouse management solutions. We highlighted 8 of them; the number was much bigger, and bug fixing across each of them was one of the continuous tasks.
Module 1: Warehouse Picking Service
- Retrieves the tools picklist from the ERP system (database)
- Generates a PDF picking document
- Automatically sends the PDF to the warehouse printer
Module 2: Shop Article Update Service
- Reads inactive or outdated articles from the shop system
- Updates article status to “active” when appropriate
- Uploads modified articles back to the shop system
Module 3: Shop Order Service
- Retrieves customer orders from the shop system
- Updates order details in the internal database
- Syncs processed orders back to the shop system
Module 4: WebAPI AutoDoc
Supports HTTP requests for:
- Token authentication
- Creating orders
- Checking stock levels
- Fetching tracking info
- Setting order statuses
Module 5: Parcel Orchestrator Service
- Coordinates the entire packing and parcel workflow
- Communicates with other services to manage bin movement and parcel status
- Triggers actions like label printing and parcel registration
Module 6: Parcel Registry Service
- Maintains the status and metadata of each parcel
- Logs information such as contents, timestamps, and destinations
- Supports updates from multiple services throughout the parcel lifecycle
Module 7: Parcel Content Printer Service
- Automatically generates and prints content labels for parcels
- Retrieves tool or item data to include detailed descriptions
- Sends print jobs to designated warehouse printers
Module 8: Parcel Label Creator Service
- Creates shipping labels (PDF, ZPL, or other formats) for parcels
- Includes destination, tracking number, and shipping method
- Integrates with courier label standards if needed
Business Effects for Client
80% reduction in manual label creation due to automated content and shipping label generation, freeing up staff time for higher-value tasks.
70% fewer shipping and packaging errors as a result of barcode-driven workflows and synchronized service logic.
50% faster inventory entry through the Android barcode scanning app, improving efficiency in stock-taking and reducing bottlenecks.
40% increase in warehouse throughput thanks to ERP integration for warehouse management: orchestrated parcel flow, bin movement automation, and real-time service communication.
30% lower operational overhead by eliminating redundant manual steps and reducing system downtime through better logging and monitoring.
