Müller – Die lila Logistik Digitalizes Check-In at Its Wemding Distribution Center

Müller – Die lila Logistik is a strategic logistics partner that combines consulting expertise with operational execution. At its Wemding site, the company operates a central logistics warehouse that serves as a high-frequency distribution center.

The site specializes in spare parts logistics. Consolidated shipments are received, picked, repacked into individual units, and prepared for international dispatch. Every day, numerous carriers and service providers arrive on site to deliver or collect goods.

In modern logistics, paper-based documentation can quickly become a bottleneck. This was the case at the Wemding distribution center, where the driver check-in process still relied on manual workflows.

• Paper-based processes: Employees had to personally welcome each driver and record their arrival in paper lists.
• Limited site visibility: There was no real-time digital overview of who was currently on the premises.
• High administrative workload: Documenting safety instructions and collecting physical signatures occupied valuable staff time that could otherwise be spent on core logistics operations.
• Lack of reliable proof: Without objective time stamps, discussions with drivers about actual arrival and waiting times repeatedly occurred.

The goal was clear: to introduce a modern digital workflow that would speed up logistics processes while improving safety and compliance.

Together with friendlyway, the entire registration process was digitalized. The manual reception process was replaced by a self-service check-in workflow directly at the entrance area, combining intuitive kiosk hardware with powerful visitor management software.

The Setup

friendlyway Visitor Management acts as the central software platform for the entire process — from initial data entry and digital safety instructions to legally compliant documentation and audit-proof archiving.

The friendlyway Empire 22 Deep kiosk serves as the physical touchpoint for drivers and visitors. With its large touchscreen, ergonomic design, and integrated receipt printer, the kiosk makes check-in fast, intuitive, and reliable. The user interface was configured in nine languages to support clear communication with international drivers.

The Optimized Workflow

Drivers and other visitors can now check in independently, without unnecessary waiting times. The system guides them step-by-step through the process.

• Digital data entry: Visitors enter all relevant information directly at the kiosk, including delivery note numbers and other required details.
• Digital safety instructions: Safety-relevant information is presented digitally and confirmed by the visitor during check-in.
• Legally compliant digital signature: Digital signatures allow all required documents to be signed and archived immediately in a paperless, audit-proof way.
• Internal coordination and live overview: The system automatically assigns a sequential daily arrival number and links the driver to the relevant goods stored in the system. Management can monitor all activity in real time via the dashboard.
• Automated receipt printing: At the end of the check-in process, each driver receives a printed receipt with their individual arrival number and exact time stamp.

By switching to the friendlyway solution, Müller – Die lila Logistik has significantly optimized operations at its Wemding distribution center. The company now benefits from a digital infrastructure that keeps pace with the speed and complexity of modern supply chain processes.

• Paperless and more sustainable workflows: Check-ins and safety instructions are now handled digitally, reducing paper use, lowering material costs, and supporting more environmentally friendly operations.
• Noticeable time savings: Drivers can complete check-in independently, reducing staff’s manual workload and giving employees more time to manage logistics processes.
• Improved compliance and site safety: The digital process provides a clear overview of who is currently on site at any given time; digital signatures and audit-proof archiving support reliable documentation and compliance.
• Reliable proof of arrival times: The integrated receipt printer provides each driver with a ticket showing the exact arrival time. This creates an objective data basis for internal coordination and helps resolve discussions about waiting times immediately.
• Real-time transparency: Management now has access to a live dashboard, making it easier to coordinate traffic and logistics flows across the site.

What can other logistics and industrial companies learn from this project? These three success factors were especially important for the implementation in Wemding:

1. Start digitalization instead of postponing it: There is no need to wait for the perfect moment. Automating key logistics and visitor processes creates measurable benefits from day one, especially in terms of transparency, safety, and process efficiency.
2. Involve all relevant teams early: A project like this doesn’t only affect IT. Logistics, safety, and operational teams should be involved from the beginning. When employees understand how the solution makes their daily work easier, acceptance increases significantly.
3. Define workflows in detail: Logistics environments often involve many exceptions and special cases. Taking the time to define each step of the workflow early in the project helps ensure a faster, smoother implementation.