Task Force Modernizes Fashion Logistics Operations with Profound API

In today’s fast-paced fashion logistics industry, organizations face increasing pressure to modernize their operations while maintaining the reliability and security of their core systems. For Witra Logistics and their client LERROS Moden, this meant finding a way to enhance their IBM Power i (AS/400) environment – a platform known for its stability and reliability in handling mission-critical business applications.

The key challenge was integrating a technically sophisticated sorting system with their IBM Power i infrastructure. This required careful consideration of how to bridge traditional enterprise computing with modern automation requirements, all while ensuring uninterrupted business operations.

Challenge

They required a solution that could:

Integrate a high-tech sorting system with IBM Power i

Enable real-time communication between systems

Increase processing capacity significantly

Support flexible client onboarding

Modernize operations while maintaining system reliability

Solution

After careful evaluation, Task Force implemented a comprehensive solution utilizing Profound Logic’s futurization tools – Profound API and Task Force’s CMOne – enabling seamless integration between modern sorting systems and IBM Power i. These tools were already running successfully on LERROS Moden’s IBM Power i system, making them the ideal choice for this complex project.

Key components of the solution:

Profound API: Core integration technology enabling modern API connectivity

CMOne: Comprehensive toolset for IBM Power i modernization and integration

REST APIs: Modern client system interfaces

Node.js: Contemporary development platform

JavaScript: Enhanced user experience development

Implementation

The implementation process represented a significant transformation in Witra Logistics’ operations, requiring careful planning and execution to ensure seamless integration between new technologies and existing systems. Task Force‘s approach leveraged both Profound API and CMOne, which were already running successfully on LERROS Moden’s IBM Power i system, making them the ideal foundation for this complex project.

Modernizing Sorting Operations:

Deployed state-of-the-art automated sorter system capable of processing 250+ cartons per run

Integrated sophisticated digital control systems using multiple sensors and laser technology

Established real-time communication between the sorting system and IBM Power i through REST interfaces

Implemented quality control measures through digital monitoring and automated verification

Enhancing System Integration:

Developed flexible REST-based interfaces using Profound API for seamless client communication

Created a low-code environment that integrated smoothly with existing RPG applications

Built modern JavaScript applications on the IBM Power i platform using Node.js

Implemented real-time data synchronization between systems ensuring accurate inventory tracking

Utilized Task Force’s CMOne to streamline the integration process and ensure system compatibility

Future-Proofing Architecture:

Designed a modular system architecture supporting rapid onboarding of new logistics clients

Established scalable processing infrastructure to handle growing transaction volumes

Implemented modern development practices enabling faster feature deployment

Created comprehensive logging and monitoring capabilities for system optimization

Built flexible interfaces allowing for future technology integration

The implementation process was carefully managed by Task Force‘s experienced team, including key contributions from Marc Ramus in technical implementation and Nina Müller, who brought fresh perspective to IBM Power i development. Their expertise ensured that each phase of the implementation was executed efficiently while maintaining system stability throughout the transition.

Tangible Results

The strategic partnership between Task Force and Profound Logic has delivered transformative results for Witra Logistics and LERROS Moden, setting new standards for efficiency in fashion logistics. By successfully bridging traditional IBM Power i systems with modern sorting technology through Profound API and CMOne, the implementation has demonstrated how legacy systems can be enhanced to meet contemporary business demands without compromising reliability.

The project not only achieved its initial modernization goals but exceeded expectations across multiple dimensions, delivering measurable improvements in operational efficiency, technical capabilities, and business performance. The successful integration has positioned Witra Logistics as a leader in modern fashion logistics, capable of meeting increasingly demanding customer expectations while maintaining operational excellence.

The implementation of Task Force‘s solution with Profound API yielded impressive results:

Improved Efficiency in Cross-Dock Facilities: The new system allowed them to strip and load trailers in a timely manner, with all information being updated instantly.
Streamlined Pickup and Delivery: Drivers could now see all their deliveries and pickups on their smartphones, eliminating the need for paper manifests and hard-copy delivery receipts.
Reduced Paper Usage: The e-signature capability supported Van-Kam’s efforts to “go green” and use less paper.
Enhanced Mobile Solutions: Custom Android apps for both cross-dock facilities and drivers improved real-time information access and communication.
Seamless Integration: Profound UI provided intuitive interfaces and seamless integration with existing systems.

"Task Force has transformed our operations through this implementation. The system has made working significantly easier for our team, particularly in terms of workload management and employee satisfaction."

Daniel Löffelsender

Managing Director, Witra Logistics

Strategic Partnership

Task Force, a valued member of the Profound Futurization Alliance, exemplifies the power of strategic partnerships in driving innovation for IBM i environments. This collaboration brings together Task Force‘s deep industry expertise with Profound Logic’s cutting-edge modernization tools to deliver comprehensive solutions for complex business challenges.

"We have been in a successful partnership with Profound Logic for several years, helping our customers to modernize their software and solve a multitude of requirements, starting from adding new functionality, to building APIs to communicate with customers and vendors to including AI into their workflows. We are happy to have found such a reliable partner and look forward to more joined projects in the future."

Marc Ramus, Partner and Software Developer at Task Force

The partnership demonstrates how members of the Profound Futurization Alliance can:

Leverage comprehensive modernization tools to transform legacy systems

Access industry-leading technical support and training

Deliver innovative solutions that drive business value

Create future-ready architectures for clients

Conclusion

Task Force’s implementation, powered by Profound API, demonstrates the transformative potential of modern integration technologies in traditional enterprise environments. By bridging the gap between high-tech sorting systems and IBM Power i, Task Force has not only modernized Witra’s operations but also created a foundation for future growth and innovation.

The project showcases how Profound API enables seamless integration between modern applications and IBM Power i systems, allowing businesses to leverage cutting-edge technology while maintaining their reliable core systems. This successful implementation sets a new standard for modernization in the fashion logistics industry.

This case study demonstrates how Task Force’s solutions, enhanced by Profound API, can help businesses modernize their operations while maintaining the reliability of their existing systems.