Aachen, March 26, 2004

Optimized Logistics at Merck

The internationally active Merck-Group is one of the oldest German companies in the Pharmaceuticals and Chemicals business. Approximately 7.500 employees work at the headquarters in Darmstadt, the biggest research and production location of Merck.

Since 1995 SyncroTESS has been controlling and optimizing container side loaders, fork-lift trucks and tractors. The container and slot management has been realized by SyncroTESS as well. The system is also used for the loading and unloading of trains, as well as for the distribution of containers within in the plant.

As one result of a system upgrade to the recent SyncroTESS version, it is now possible to display a chart of the plant's structure and the location of slots on the Windows display screen.

Whereas the first SyncroTESS installation comprised only a unidirectional interface to SAP/R2, the recent SyncroTESS version communicates with SAP/R3 via a bi-directional interface for the exchange of all data concerning transport and invoicing.

The optimizing system uses radio data for the control of all vehicles. It minimizes routes and deadheading and provides for the on-schedule execution of all transport orders.