Picking up the Pace: Systems Logic, the Pioneers of Visual Pick Technology, Continues its Quest to Foray into New Segments

The Silicon Review

Systems Logic was doing Apps before Apps were even known as Apps: Anthony Allwood

To begin with, right from suppliers to customers and inventory movements, a warehouse management system (WMS) optimizes all your warehousing operations. Usually, these systems have always been a part of much bigger and more complex distribution functions.

But now, even SMBs are recognizing the importance of a warehouse inventory management software in today’s scenario of integrated logistics, same-day delivery, and e-commerce fulfilment.

Execution of a warehouse management lets an organization to improve its competitive advantage by minimizing labor expenses, enhancing customer service, improving inventory accuracy, increasing flexibility, and responsiveness.

In light of the above-mentioned scenario, we are thrilled to present Systems Logic – dedicated to applying its tremendous proficiency of business process improvements to warehouse management industry. Previously as a consulting firm, the company attended warehouses, third-party logistics (3PL) providers and distribution locations with process improvements and operation organization in order to stay ahead of the competition.

Systems Logic was incorporated in 2002 and is headquartered in Cambridge, Ontario.

Anthony Allwood, Systems Logic Founder/CEO, spoke exclusively to The Silicon Review. Below is an excerpt.

Rewind: Taking Flight

During the Y2K technology initiative, Anthony was involved in several Enterprise Software integrations and felt that they fell short. As being a part of a mid-sized organization, there were many capabilities that seemed to be only available to the tier-1 solution, which were all out of the budget. After completing the exercise, Anthony felt that technology was not a limitation, but rather the implementation process that was failing businesses. Anthony formed Systems Logic, which initially was a consulting company that enabled small and mid-size companies to better utilize their technology. Too many solutions were rigid and required companies to move away from existing and successful processes, with the consulting firms focusing simply on installing and training functionality. These behaviors resulted in failed implementations and technology being put on the shelf with a year or two. Systems Logic focus was understanding the process first, and using the technology as a tool to enhance and reinforce these processes – ‘putting the functional back in functionality’.

Tell us about your first product that was launched.

Starting as a consulting company, our first products were mainly small custom applications to enhance or make up for shortfalls in the existing ERP. Seeing that much of these solutions focused on the financial management, rather than the transactional management of inventory, we saw an opportunity to push for a best of breed solution that would focus on the transactions. It was our simple belief that if the transactions were easy for end users, that the financial would be accurate. The challenge was that ERP solutions were purchased and managed often by the financial people in organizations, where Systems Logic approached it from an operation level. We focused on the business owners and Production and Warehouse Managers, rather than the CFOs. Inspired by the original portability and visual aspects of the Palm Pilot, Systems Logic developed a WMS that was bleeding edge, with a focus on mobility, when most individuals didn’t even have a cell phone. Systems Logic, in effect, was doing Apps, before Apps were even known as Apps. Most solutions were black and green screens, and batch processing, while Systems Logic, and Warehouse in a Box, focused on taking advantage of advances in wireless technology and real-time transactions and inventory. After the initial development of Warehouse in a Box, it took almost two years to find our first client and one that was willing to go down this new frontier of visual-based apps on mobile devices. Today, with the prolific use of mobile phones, the interface no longer looks so foreign.

While only in business since 2002 and launch of Wireless Warehouse in a Box in 2006, the team at Systems Logic is seen by the industry leader as a subject matter expert in Supply Chain Technology and was selectedas a Pro to Know for 2017.

How successful was your first project roll on? Share the experience.

Our first client was a Toronto based 3PL. Happily, the project was on time and on budget, but we certainly had some expected challenges with working with the app style interface with floor staff, as they were transitioning from picking with paper pick tickets to a mobile device directing them to their next task. The result was a few extra training sessions, but thanks to the launch of the first iPhone these types of issues quickly evaporated.

What were the grounds on which you have expanded your company and its offerings over the years?

As we are a Canadian based company, our first growth goals were to open Systems Logic to the US market. This occurred with the assistance of some local Angel Investors back in 2008, resulting in our ability to market ourselves on a broader stage. Today, more than 85 percent of our clients are based in the US, with clients coast to coast and all points in between.

Briefly explain your products and services.

Systems Logic provides Warehouse Management Software to the Distribution, 3PL and Manufacturing industry. What makes us unique is our process first approach. We understand that our technology is a tool and that we need to understand and enhance good business processes while supporting our clients’ unique ‘secret sauce’. The result is Tier-1 level functionality delivered with boutique-level service and support. In many cases, we often understand our clients’ businesses as well or better than they do. The benefit of our process first approach is our clients go into the project with a complete understanding of the total cost, eliminating scope creep and getting 85 percent of the way through the project and the client being told they need to spend more money. We offer a unique combination of guaranteed deliverables at a guaranteed price. We believe in paying it forward, in that if we can make our clients successful initially, that they will thrive and grow, and we will all benefit.

Do you have any new products ready to be rolled out into the market?

We continue to release new ideas and new functionalities; our product has several small releases each year as well as one main release.

Where do you see your company a couple of years from now?

Again, we continue to expand verticals and markets. One great example is establishing ourselves in the California Cannabis industry working with several of the largest distribution companies in the past 24 months. As an organization, we invest in education too while empowering our clients in the sector to the extent that can meet State requirements.

Anthony Allwood: A Brief Background

Anthony Allwood, founder, is the Chief Executive Officer of Systems Logic. He earned a degree in Software Development. Anthony left his field to start a career in Project Management, with an emphasis on process engineering and technology in Manufacturing and Distribution.