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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Consafe Logistics and Jeeves Information Systems launches warehouse management module

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Consafe Logistics and Jeeves Information Systems have signed an agreement to release advanced warehouse management support in Jeeves Enterprise business system, available from June 2006.

RedPrairie Corporation Acquires MARC Global

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Expanded Global Supply Chain Solutions Provider Offers Combined Customer Base Industry-Leading Solutions and Deeper Functionality Across Several Key Verticals

SATO Completes Purchase Of Checkpoints Barcode Systems (BCS) Businesses

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SATO have announced that it has successfully completed the acquisition of Checkpoints former BCS businesses and Hand-held Labeling Systems (HLS) in the United States.

The Stiller Group, ATMS plc and Psion Teklogix announce the long awaited Warehousing Technology Centre of Excellence.

4 The Stiller Group, ATMS plc and Psion Teklogix announce the long awaited Warehousing Technology Centre of Excellence.

The Stiller Group, ATMS plc and Psion Teklogix have announced a joint venture which brings together three market leaders and provides the distribution industry with a long awaited Warehousing Technology Centre of Excellence.

Swisslog to streamline distribution operations at Foster's Wine Estates

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Swisslog has been commissioned by Fosters Wine Estates to automate the logistics of a new packaging and distribution centre at the Wolf Blass winery in South Australia.

Manhattan Associates Announces Release of Latest Supply Chain Management Solutions

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First Company to Offer the Complete Footprint for Supply Chain Planning and Execution.

Swisslog to expand and automate Denner's distribution center in Mgenwil

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Denner, the leading Swiss food and beverage discount retailer, has commissioned Swisslog as general contractor, for the expansion and automation of its existing distribution center in Mgenwil and for the implementation of a new warehouse management system.

Swisslog receives order from Coca-Cola Amatil to build new Distribution Center in Auckland

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Coca-Cola Amatil, Coca-Cola's bottler in Asia-Pacific, has commissioned Swisslog as prime contractor for the planning and realization of an automated distribution center in New Zealand.

Food industry chooses Consafe Logistics

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Dagab is modernizing its DC in Backa, Gothenburg. The company has chosen Consafe Logistics as a system supplier and SattStore WMS will control all automation in the warehouse. The system is planned to go on-line in summer 2006.

BKI Kaffe invests in logistics to boost future growth

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Denmarks second largest coffee roasting company, BKI Kaffe A/S, is investing in a major upgrade to its central warehouse in Hjbjerg. BKI Kaffe has entered into an agreement with Consafe Logistics for the supply of a Warehouse Management System (WMS).

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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