Less than half (45.6%) of warehouse and logistics leaders see automation as necessary over the next five years, according to new research from ProGlove.
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.
Empowering a workforce key to implementing a functioning safety culture, the UKMHA’s National Safety Convention is told
Oct 31, 2023
The UK Material Handling Association’s annual Safety Convention has been labelled a success for the intuitive way in which it approached the key safety issue of Implementing a Safety Culture in the workforce.
Speed, accuracy and agility in the age of omnichannel
Oct 30, 2023
Special Technology Report: Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) and Voice-directed Picking.
Contributors include VDC Research, Gartner, Panorama Consulting, Frost & Sullivan, Cap Gemini, Aberdeen Strategy & Research, Manhattan Associates, Dakota Integrated Solutions, Ehrhardt Partner Group, Indigo Software, Renovotec.
St. Modwen Logistics and Savills call on Government to recognise logistics facilities as critical national infrastructure to spur development
Oct 30, 2023
St. Modwen Logistics, the UK logistics owner and developer, and property adviser Savills, has called for improvements to the planning system to support the growth of the logistics sector and encourage more development of modern, sustainable warehousing to keep pace with increasing demand.
LiBiao Robotics announce South African dealer agreement
Oct 25, 2023
Robotic parcel sortation solutions specialist LiBIao Robotics has appointed Black Rhino of Johannesburg as its agent and distribution partner in South Africa for the ‘Mini Yellow’ range of autonomous mobile robots (AMRs).
Manufacturing & Logistics IT October 2023 edition
Oct 24, 2023
The October 2023 edition of Manufacturing & Logistics IT magazine features a Special Technology Report looking, in depth, at the latest developments in the world of Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) and Voice-directed Picking.
Also included is a ‘Cover Story’: With automotive supply chains stabilising, focus on sustainability expected to rise back up automakers’ agendas.
UK Warehousing Association announces ‘Year of Warehousing’ for 2024
Oct 23, 2023
The UK Warehousing Association (UKWA) has announced that 2024 will see the launch of a high profile, year-long campaign to highlight the critical role of warehousing in supply chains, the sector’s major contribution to the UK economy, essential employment of 1m people, and the key role it is set to play in embracing solar power to achieve UK’s net zero goals.
Unlocking efficiency: AI’s transformative role in warehousing
Oct 12, 2023
Everybody is talking about Artificial Intelligence but what are its potential applications for warehousing and supply chain? Edward Napier-Fenning, Sales & Marketing Director of leading supply chain software company Balloon, explores five key areas that can boost performance – including route planning, picking, labour management reporting and data entry.
Automation helps Mercadona get fresh produce from field to store within 24 hours
Oct 12, 2023
Mercadona, the grocery retailer in Spain and Portugal, partnered with Cimcorp, a pioneer in robotic handling solutions, to implement an automated intralogistics system at its distribution center in San Isidro, Spain. Cimcorp’s robots have helped Mercadona to achieve record lead times in its supply chain, thereby increasing shelf life for its products and ensuring freshness for its customers.
Pioneers in warehouse automation are reaping the benefits, shows industry research
Oct 11, 2023
Research with manufacturers, retailers, and 3PLs across a range of sectors has highlighted that many have already invested significantly in warehouse automation, including over a third (35%) currently having between £1m and £5m invested, while a significant 28% have over £5m invested.
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.
