How small changes in logistics procedures can make big changes on profitability.
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.
DEMATIC TAKES HOLD OF WMS MARKET
Nov 02, 2006
Dematic Limited, a name which has been synonymous with the leading edge logistics automation market for many years, has announced it is selling WMS (Warehouse Management System) solutions as standalone packages.
Show me the money. How small changes in logistics procedures can make big changes on profitability
Nov 02, 2006
For thousands of years, people won wars because of superior logistics thinking.
Shoe warehouse management gets straight to the i-POINT - Case Study
Oct 17, 2006
Automatic engineering delivers for Knapp at Clarks
FTZ Autodele & Vrktj A/S investing
Oct 05, 2006
FTZ Autodele & Vrktj A/S is investing in a major upgrade to its central warehouse in Odense, Denmark. FTZ has engaged Consafe Logistics to supply a Warehouse Management System (WMS) an IT system that will include the use of voice recognition technology.
Cost-efficiency and store friendly deliveries
Oct 05, 2006
Witron wins picking system project for Boots The Chemists
As Labour Management gains momentum, Manhattan Associates takes market share
Oct 04, 2006
Growing number of companies turn to Manhattan Associates
Manhattan Associates presents technology in action at Logistics Link North
Sep 13, 2006
Logistics Link North, Wednesday 20th Thursday 21st September, Yorkshire Event Centre, Harrogate - Stand 138
Witron wins picking system project for Boots The Chemists
Sep 13, 2006
Boots The Chemists, the UKs leading health and beauty retailer, is to re-organise its UK-wide supply chain network to respond more efficiently to the fast changing UK retail market.
World-wide I.T. first for TDG
Sep 06, 2006
TDG recently achieved a world-wide I.T. first with its successful implementation of an AIX MARC Warehouse Management System running on an IBM ISeries I570 Processor, at its site in Pocklington, Yorkshire.
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.
