Lastenheft
Also: Anforderungskatalog, Anforderungsdokument, Anforderungsspezifikation, LH, Requirements Specification, User Requirements Specification, URS
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A requirements specification (Lastenheft) describes all of a client's requirements for a planned system or project from their perspective. It forms the binding basis for tendering, comparison of bids, and subsequent contract negotiations.
Key facts
- The requirements specification comes from the client and describes requirements at the what level — how they will be implemented is described by the vendor in the functional specification.
- Volume frameworks covering throughput, number of SKUs, and order peaks are the backbone of every intralogistics requirements specification.
- Clearly separating mandatory and optional requirements protects against uncontrolled scope growth during the tendering process.
- Measurable acceptance criteria in the requirements specification prevent later disputes during project acceptance and SLA negotiations.
What is a Requirements Specification (Lastenheft)?
The requirements specification is a structured document in which a client — such as a warehouse manager or IT department — describes their requirements for a system, facility, or service to be procured in a complete and comprehensible manner. It addresses the what level: What should the future system do, which processes must it support, and what conditions apply? The answer to the how question is provided by the vendor in the functional specification (Pflichtenheft).
In intralogistics, a requirements specification typically covers the following content:
- Project objectives and strategic context
- Description of existing and planned processes
- Volume frameworks: throughput rates, number of SKUs, storage capacities, order peaks
- Functional requirements for control systems, interfaces, and data exchange
- Quality, availability, and safety requirements
- Compliance and operational requirements
- Acceptance criteria and verification obligations
How does a requirements specification work in practice?
The requirements specification is created before the tendering process begins and is typically developed in an interdisciplinary manner: logistics planning provides the process requirements, IT defines interface standards and system boundaries, and procurement adds commercial framework conditions and compliance requirements. The more concretely and measurably the requirements are formulated, the better bids can be compared and subsequent acceptance tests conducted.
A key aspect is the distinction between mandatory and optional requirements. Mandatory requirements are non-negotiable and feed directly into the evaluation matrix. Optional requirements signal wishes that can be addressed on an optional basis in the bid. This prioritization prevents projects from becoming unmanageable due to extensive special requests.
What matters when creating a requirements specification?
Completeness and measurability are the most important quality criteria. Vague formulations such as "high availability"
Related terms
- Abnahmeprozess (FAT/SAT)
The acceptance process (FAT/SAT) comprises two consecutive test phases used to verify that intralogistics systems comply with contractual requirements before commissioning.
- Ausschreibungsmanagement Logistik
Logistics tender management refers to the structured overall process by which companies solicit bids for logistics services or systems on the market, make offers comparable, and prepare a well-founded award decision.
- Business Case Automatisierung
The Business Case Automation evaluates, from an economic and operational perspective, whether an investment in warehouse or intralogistics automation is justified. It summarizes costs, benefits, risks, and assumptions in a structured way, forming the basis for management approval decisions.
- Dimensionierung
Dimensioning refers to the systematic design of warehouse capacities, material handling equipment, and logistics systems based on volume frameworks, throughput requirements, and peak loads. It forms the planning foundation for investment decisions in intralogistics.
- Distributionskonzept
A distribution concept describes the overall structure through which goods move from the warehouse or plant to the customer – including location structure, storage tiers, transport network, service levels, and returns logic. It serves as the operational target picture for logistics processes and network decisions.