AbakusDirect 1.5 expands warehouse flexibility with multilocation support 

Optiscan strengthens its software offering with a structured roadmap and new functionality 

Optiscan Group has released version 1.5 of its warehouse execution solution, AbakusDirect, marking a strategic step toward broader market reach and a more structured product roadmap for 2026. 

The update introduces multilocation handling, enhanced task traceability, and technical improvements designed to strengthen reliability and long-term system quality. 

A Structured Step Forward 

Joakim Sparrentoft, recently appointed Product Owner of AbakusDirect, brings more than 30 years of experience within Optiscan’s operations to the role.    
 
According to Sparrentoft, Release 1.5 represents more than a routine update. 
 
“The main goal with 1.5 is to initiate a more structured release plan for 2026 and increase the product’s visibility in the market,” he says.

 AbakusDirect is positioned as a Warehouse Execution System (WES), supporting daily warehouse operations while integrating with customers’ existing ERP or WMS environments. The latest release reinforces this role while expanding its functional scope.  

Multilocation Handling Addresses Real-World Complexity 

The most significant addition in Release 1.5 is multilocation handling. Many ERP and warehouse systems are limited to managing ONE storage location per product. In practice, however, businesses frequently store the same item in multiple locations due to space constraints, picking optimization, or operational requirements. 
 
With multilocation capability, AbakusDirect enables companies to manage this complexity without replacing their core ERP or WMS systems. The feature effectively bridges the gap between system limitations and operational reality. 

“This widens our scope slightly,” Sparrentoft notes, acknowledging that the enhancement moves AbakusDirect closer to areas traditionally associated with warehouse management systems, while still maintaining its focus as a warehouse execution solution. 

Improved Traceability with Task History 

Release 1.5 also introduces a new Task History feature, providing clearer insight into completed workflows and operational events.  
 
The addition is expected to improve troubleshooting and performance analysis. 
 
“When issues occur, emotions and frustration can influence how situations are described,” Sparrentoft explains. “By reviewing logged workflow history, we can focus on what actually happened.” 

The feature enhances operational transparency and supports more efficient problem resolution – a key requirement for high-volume warehouse environments. 

Stability and Continuous Improvement 

While the headline features focus on operational flexibility and traceability, the release also includes technical updates and improvements aimed at maintaining reliability. 

The speech recognition component has been updated, and the development team has expanded its use of automated testing to improve quality assurance. 

According to Sparrentoft, performance and reliability remain ongoing priorities. “If issues arise, we will address them,” he says, emphasizing the company’s commitment to continuous improvement. 

Usability Remains Central 

Although Release 1.5 does not introduce major user interface changes, ease of use remains a core ambition for the product. 

“Our aim is for AbakusDirect to be considered EASY — easy to implement, integrate, maintain and use,” Sparrentoft states. 

The company views usability not as a one-time initiative but as an ongoing focus throughout future releases.