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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Onninen builds new automated warehouse to improve order fulfilment and customer service

1 Onninen builds new automated warehouse to improve order fulfilment and customer service

Onninen has selected Vanderlande Industries to design and implement the material handling system (including warehouse control system) for its new order fulfilment centre in Hyvink, Finland.

Dematic opens new TechCenter for innovation

2 Dematic opens new TechCenter for innovation

Dematic's new cutting-edge Customer and Technology Centre (TechCenter) is now open at its headquarters in Offenbach, Germany for customers to see and try out material flow solutions.

Dematic to showcase its capabilities at IMHX

3 Dematic to showcase its capabilities at IMHX

Dematic - provider of intelligent solutions for logistics, warehousing and materials handling - will be showcasing the breadth of its capabilities at IMHX, held at the NEC, Birmingham on 16-19 November 2010.

Swisslog: Integrated Logistics Solutions Company 2010

4 Swisslog: Integrated Logistics Solutions Company 2010

Following a detailed study of the logistics sector by The Institute of Transport Management (ITM) Swisslog was recently awarded the title of 'Integrated Logistics Solutions Company 2010'.

Dematic appoints Stuart Stables as head of product solutions

5 Dematic appoints Stuart Stables as head of product solutions

Dematic provider of intelligent solutions for logistics, warehousing and materials handling has appointed Stuart Stables as head of product solutions.

Dematic Group announces intent to acquire HK Systems

6

Dematic has signed an agreement in principle to purchase HK Systems, a North American automated material handling and software solutions provider.

ARC Advisory Group names RedPrairie leading Warehouse Management provider in 11 categories

7 ARC Advisory Group names RedPrairie leading Warehouse Management provider in 11 categories

top Warehouse Management solutions provider in 11 different categories by ARC Advisory group more than any other organisation cited.

Avnet Logistics opts for AutoStore by Swisslog

8 Avnet Logistics opts for AutoStore by Swisslog

Avnet Logistics distributor of semiconductor, interconnect, passive, electromechanical and electronic systems components is to implement an AutoStore system by Swisslog.

Dematic appoints Mark Pain as Sales Project Manager

9 Dematic appoints Mark Pain as Sales Project Manager

Dematic has appointed Mark Pain as Sales Project Manager of the company's Product Solutions division. Mark joins Dematic from Sovex and brings with him a wealth of experience in conveyors and a long systems background.

Codegate's Mobilewarehouse enhances customer service for Felixstowe Warehouse

10 Codegate's Mobilewarehouse enhances customer service for Felixstowe Warehouse

Codegate's Mobilewarehouse software is enabling Felixstowe Warehousing to meet the requirements of its blue chip customers by delivering accurate tracking of goods into, within and out of its warehouse.

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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