Chess Logistics rapidly fit warehouse and logistics management systems to customers needs using InterSystems Cach

When you buy coffee at a retail store or drink it at a restaurant, you do not need to think about how the coffee got there?

For many UK organisations, this is because they rely on the warehouse management and logistics computing applications and services from market-leading specialist Chess Logistics Technology. Chess provides solutions to companies in the logistics, food and retail distribution, industrial and manufacturing sectors. What sets Chess apart from other suppliers is its rapid ability to tailor solutions to customers unique needs. While many suppliers provide modular systems, too often the burden of application configuration slows implementation, increases costs, and deters ongoing changes. In contrast, by embedding InterSystems Cach high-performance object database into its solutions, Chess is able to develop applications that combine industry best practices with versatile and easy-to-enhance functionality.

Chess solutions enable customers to achieve maximum efficiency in warehouse operation and deliver the highest levels of accuracy, productivity and utilisation. For example, by working with Chess, Whitbread has measurably reduced operating costs by improving picking accuracy, productivity and resource allocation. Chess aim is always to provide a WMS that delivers the maximum possible benefit to the clients business, regardless of warehouse size or supply-chain type. It achieves this by using a special feature within its applications known as Core Plus. This is a flexible software architecture that enables Chess to provide non-standard features  in its solutions without affecting the underlying standard system. It means that customers can benefit from ongoing evolution of the standard product, while the addition of unique features that give them a distinct operational edge over their competitors doesnt require recompilation of existing program code. This significantly enhances solution stability while reducing unnecessary change, costs, and project timescales. Core Plus exploits the inherent object-oriented nature of the Cach database to promote the rapid development of applications that are also easy to maintain. Other suppliers add objectoriented functionality in layers that introduce technology mismatches and costly overheads.

In contrast, Chess solutions are modular inside and out, which makes analysis, coding, and testing of complex situations and procedures much easier. Cach also provides support for SQL reporting and data analysis. This means that users have the business functions they need that work with the rest of their systems. At the same time, Chess can continuously innovate by adding the latest technologies and capabilities to respond to the ever-changing and demanding requirements of the retail and logistics industry. Other more obvious benefits that Cach brings to Chess solutions are its market-leading highthroughput, scalability, and reliability essential features in an industry that is dealing with high transaction volumes 24x7.

Long-term Partnerships

Chess and InterSystems have been partners for more than eight years and InterSystems technology underlies all its WMS features including RF solutions, voice recognition, delivery information systems, and radio frequency identification (RFID) functionality. We have used, and continue to use, InterSystems technology for the simple reason that it enables us to provide the sophisticated solutions that our customers demand, more cost effectively, said Nick Abbott, Technical Director, Chess.

In like-for-like tests, the Cach platform performed better, every time. It allows us to offer solutions that customers believe will deliver them a competitive edge. The impressive client list Chess have is testimony to the benefits they deliver to the retail and logistics industry, commented Graham Frost, Managing Director and Group Director UK Region, InterSystems. InterSystems is proud to have such a longstanding and successful partnership with Chess, and we are equally proud that Cach is the power behind proven and leading logistics systems providing the platform for their future business growth.