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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Jungheinrich joins the UN Global Compact Initiative

1 Jungheinrich joins the UN Global Compact Initiative

Jungheinrich, the intralogistics solution provider, has joined the United Nations Global Compact Initiative, making it part of the largest network in the global drive for a fair and sustainable economy.

The future of intralogistics: Jungheinrich launches new mobile robot solution for low-level applications

2 The future of intralogistics: Jungheinrich launches new mobile robot solution for low-level applications

Jungheinrich has premiered its latest mobile robot solution at Stuttgart's LogiMAT 2023, the international trade fair for intralogistics solutions.

FourKites introduces enhancements to eliminate manual workflows

3 FourKites introduces enhancements to eliminate manual workflows

Supply chain visibility provider FourKites has unveiled extensive enhancements to its automated Slot Manager solution.

Warehouse automation: Five key points on securing operational resilience

4 Warehouse automation: Five key points on securing operational resilience

Automation in its varied forms is increasingly ‘mission critical’ to warehouse operations. But with such high reliance on sophisticated systems, how do you ensure reliable performance and a risk-free peak?  Dan Migliozzi, Head of Sales at independent systems integrator, Invar Group, looks at the options available for maintenance and support.

Robot-based sortation systems deliver energy saving benefits

5 Robot-based sortation systems deliver energy saving benefits

Ultra-energy efficient parcel sortation robots are a game changer for the logistics sector. They’re also good news for the environment, says Xia Huiling, founder and CEO of LiBiao Robotics.

OPEX to exhibit warehouse, document and mail automation solutions at CeMAT Australia

6 OPEX to exhibit warehouse, document and mail automation solutions at CeMAT Australia

OPEX Corporation is showcasing warehouse automation and document and mail automation technology to attendees of CeMAT Australia, the trade show covering intralogistics and materials handling, on 25-27 July 2023 at The Dome, Sydney Olympic Park.

Robok secures $2.1m in growth and grant funding to deliver enhanced safety and efficiency in industrial workplaces

7 Robok secures $2.1m in growth and grant funding to deliver enhanced safety and efficiency in industrial workplaces

RoboK, a start-up applying AI-powered computer vision to logistics & industrial workplaces, has announced $2.1 million in funding, making it $4 million to date, for accelerating commercial expansion.

Han® ORV3: sustainable connectivity for IT infrastructure

8 Han® ORV3: sustainable connectivity for IT infrastructure

The global demand for digitalisation infrastructure is growing rapidly. Businesses and consumers have increased their reliance on remote computing, apps, and the Internet of Things (IoT) at a remarkable speed and society has become significantly more dependent on tasks which require data centres.

StayLinked’s SmartTE software and no-code technology adoption platform, Evolve, improves warehouse operations for TRIO Leuchten

9 StayLinked’s SmartTE software and no-code technology adoption platform, Evolve, improves warehouse operations for TRIO Leuchten

TRIO Leuchten, German provider of decorative home lighting, has transformed its warehouse operations by working with StayLinkedpartner, Scheffer & Hille, to deploy StayLinked’s terminal emulation (TE) software SmartTE, and Evolve, StayLinked’s no-code technology adoption software platform.

Dematic delivers enhanced processes for Spanish third-party logistics operator Factor 5

10 Dematic delivers enhanced processes for Spanish third-party logistics operator Factor 5

Third-party logistics operator Factor 5 recently commissioned a goods-to-person solution featuring an AutoStore automated storage and picking system provided by intelligent automation solution provider Dematic. 

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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