Warehouse Management Software, WMS, Warehousing Software, Warehouse Systems

A critical element within the wider supply chain, a warehouse management system (WMS) helps to manage the storage and distribution of goods within a warehouse or distribution centre (DC). The software stores and provides information on goods transactions such as receiving, putaway and picking and shipping, often based on real-time information related to bin utilisation. A WMS system also often incorporates the use of Auto Identification & Data Capture (AIDC) devices or systems – including barcode scanners, mobile computers, wireless LANs or Radio-frequency identification (RFID) – to help to optimise the efficient stocking and distribution of goods.

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Synergy Logistics has partnered with industry solutions adviser, Supply Chain BEST, to expand WMS implementation capabilities

1 Synergy Logistics has partnered with industry solutions adviser, Supply Chain BEST, to expand WMS implementation capabilities

Working together as preferred channel partners, rapidly expanding Synergy will leverage access to Florida-based Supply Chain BEST’s end-to-end system implementation and project management expertise.

63% of the logistics sector report shortage of digital skills, new data finds

2 63% of the logistics sector report shortage of digital skills, new data finds

New data from the 2024 UK logistics digital infrastructure report has revealed a significant digital skills gap within the UK logistics sector, with 63% of companies reporting a shortage of digital talent.

Deloitte and TeamViewer to accelerate digital transformation of warehouse logistics with vision picking

3 Deloitte and TeamViewer to accelerate digital transformation of warehouse logistics with vision picking

Deloitte and TeamViewer have joined forces to digitalize manual work processes in the critical areas of supply chain and logistics.

Synergy Logistics appoints highly experienced business performance lead as it looks to scale up on expansion, growth and drive change

4 Synergy Logistics appoints highly experienced business performance lead as it looks to scale up on expansion, growth and drive change

Chris White joins as Head of Sales for Europe, Middle East & Africa (EMEA) with a dual remit of further improving client engagement and advancing the commercial arm of the business.

Laying the groundwork for effective delivery and returns management

5 Laying the groundwork for effective delivery and returns management

By Johan Hellman, VP Product and Carrier, nShift.

For multichannel and ecommerce retailers and their logistics partners, the first months of the year are when crucial groundwork is done to learn the lessons from last year’s peak season. However, although total retail sales were up at the end of 2023, the increase was significantly down on the previous year.

BITO to demonstrate innovative storage and picking at MACH 2024

6 BITO to demonstrate innovative storage and picking at MACH 2024

BITO Storage Systems will be exhibiting at the MACH 2024. Held on 15-19 April at the NEC, Birmingham, MACH is the key event for manufacturing engineers, decision makers and buyers to find, specify and purchase new equipment.

New line of Interroll conveyors from Ultimation Industries helps courier, express and parcel companies increase distribution capacity

7 New line of Interroll conveyors from Ultimation Industries helps courier, express and parcel companies increase distribution capacity

Courier, express and parcel (CEP) companies that need to increase their distribution network capacity can now access a full line of Interroll modular, sorting and pallet conveyor systems from Ultimation Industries, an MCE company.

Synkrato unveils Trinity, its new conversational AI model

8 Synkrato unveils Trinity, its new conversational AI model

Synkrato, the next-gen logistics platform with digital twin, AI-driven logistics, mobility, and enterprise labelling solutions, has launched Trinity, a conversational artificial intelligence model to amplify warehouse productivity and decision-making.

Gartner predicts 25% of logistics key performance indicator reporting will be supported by GenAI by 2028

9 Gartner predicts 25% of logistics key performance indicator reporting will be supported by GenAI by 2028

By 2028, 25% of all logistics key performance indicator (KPI) reporting will be powered by generative AI (GenAI), according to Gartner, Inc.

Packaging robots is set to grow US$ 7.5 billion by 2032 at a CAGR of 8%

10 Packaging robots is set to grow US$ 7.5 billion by 2032 at a CAGR of 8%

According to data from Fact.MR, the global packaging robots market is on a significant growth trajectory, expected to surge from US$3.8 billion in 2022 to US$7.5 billion by 2032.

Warehouse Management System (WMS)

A warehouse is a commercial building used for the storage of goods and are usually cited in industrial areas. Warehouses are used by manufacturers, logistics companies, distributors, transport, freight forwarders, importers, exporters, wholesalers, etc. Warehouses usually have loading bays and docks and serve as a distribution centre for the loading and unloading of goods from trucks. Sometimes warehouses are designed for storage and despatch of goods directly from railways, airports or seaports.

A warehouse management system, or WMS, is a key part of the supply chain and primarily aims to control the movement and storage of materials within a warehouse and then organise and process all of the associated transactions such as shipping, receiving, put-away and picking. The systems also direct and optimise stock put-away based on real-time information about the status of bin utilisation. A WMS can be used by manufacturers in their own warehousing facilities or a logistics company (3Pl /4Pl) operating contracts for a number of clients and retailers.

Warehouses are an integral link in the modern supply chain, ensuring that the correct product is stored efficiently ,delivered in the right quantity, in good condition, at the required time, and at minimal cost. It performs an integral role in managing goods movement and information exchange between manufacturers, distributors and retailers.

A good Warehouse Management System (WMS) manages all types of warehouse operations efficiently and effectively. It also enhances inventory management by increasing accuracy, improving order fulfilment and reducing order cycle time. Receiving and shipping are streamlined as well to facilitate cross-docking and expedite back-ordered products.

A WMS can automate picking, packing and shipping and it will minimise the number of moves per order. The WMS can improve the accuracy of every order, reduce safety stock, manage tasks and improve processes. An efficient WMS can consolidate orders to reduce transportation and shipping costs.   Data is collected within the warehouse environment by data-capture technology such as barcode scanners, mobile computers, wireless LANs and Radio-frequency identification (RFID). This information is then fed into a central WMS database to provide a real-time update on the overall inventory and specific SKU levels in the warehouse (stock keeping units). This information is then used to replenish the stock levels to ensure that there is sufficient flow of products. Once data has been collected, there is either a batch synchronization with, or a real-time wireless transmission to a central database. The database can then provide useful reports about the status of goods in the warehouse.

Bonded warehouses are specifically used as a secure holding or storage facility before duty is paid. Upon entry of goods into the warehouse, the importer and warehouse owner incur liability under a bond. Goods can be stored and held in a secure environment for a number of years before either being shipped on or released for distribution when the duty must then be paid.

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