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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NGK to begin a logistics demonstration using Its lithium-ion rechargeable batteries EnerCera at Nagoya Central Wholesale Market Main Office

1 NGK to begin a logistics demonstration using Its lithium-ion rechargeable batteries EnerCera at Nagoya Central Wholesale Market Main Office

NGK Insulators Ltd (‘NGK’) has begun a logistics demonstration using its lithium-ion rechargeable batteries EnerCera at Nagoya Central Wholesale Market Main Office. The demonstration is being conducted with the goal of creating a new, highly efficient in-market logistics model.

Freedom to select ‘best-for-task’ technology is key to successful warehouse automation

2 Freedom to select ‘best-for-task’ technology is key to successful warehouse automation

Businesses looking to transform operational performance in the warehouse should not be limited to choices from a single automation manufacturer.

LGI Logistics relies on Warehouse Management System from PSI Logistics

3 LGI Logistics relies on Warehouse Management System from PSI Logistics

The LGI Logistics Group International GmbH has awarded PSI Logistics GmbH with the delivery of the Warehouse Management System PSIwms 2023.

AutoScheduler introduces Make-n-Ship Warehouse Optimisation Platform

4 AutoScheduler introduces Make-n-Ship Warehouse Optimisation Platform

At the Retailers International Leaders Association (RILA), AutoScheduler.AI, a Warehouse Management System (WMS) accelerator, introducedthe Make-n-Ship warehouse optimisation platform that is claimed to be able to optimise loading products straight off the production line to better orchestrate production, warehousing and transportation plans.

LOBO announces pilot work platform order from Wynright Daifuku for Harbor Freight Tools

5 LOBO announces pilot work platform order from Wynright Daifuku for Harbor Freight Tools

LOBO Systems, provider of work platforms, has announced a pilot order from Wynright Daifuku, the retail chain specialising in tools and equipment, for Harbor Freight Tools in Elwood, Illinois, USA.

Warehouse automation is at the heart of business continuity in 2023

6 Warehouse automation is at the heart of business continuity in 2023

Automation is proving essential for business continuity and profitability – especially in these unpredictable times. Chronic challenges within the logistics sector, such as labour shortages and rising material costs, mean businesses must innovate to grow. Wouter Satijn, Sales Director, Joloda Hydraroll, says 2023 will see a monumental drive towards automation.

Jungheinrich automation helps Coach House build business resilience

7 Jungheinrich automation helps Coach House build business resilience

Jungheinrich UK, the manufacturer of German engineered automated storage and retrieval systems, has given global trade-only furniture and homeware supplier Coach House a new level of resilience to support its continued growth.

BlueStar extends EMEA partnership with StayLinked to include its Evolve Integration Platform

8 BlueStar extends EMEA partnership with StayLinked to include its Evolve Integration Platform

StayLinked, the modern Terminal Emulation (TE) solutions provider, has announced that BlueStar, the solutions-based distributor for RFID, Auto ID, POS and Mobility products, has expanded its EMEA partnership with StayLinked to include the Evolve integration platform.

Green Sheep growing up fast with new WMS solution

9 Green Sheep growing up fast with new WMS solution

Natural and organic baby product retailer, The Green Sheep Group, has reported immediate stock accuracy and productivity improvements since implementing the flexible cloud based SnapFulfil WMS.

New research: Half of warehouse operators struggle to forecast demand heading Into 2023

10 New research: Half of warehouse operators struggle to forecast demand heading Into 2023

A new survey commissioned by ProGlove, wearable barcode scanner provider, has identified the ongoing struggles of warehouses trying to predict demand patterns accurately. Of those surveyed, just 39 per cent of respondents felt they could accurately predict trends and activity for the holiday season.

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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