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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Invar offers a world of possibilities in advanced automation at IMHX 2022

1 Invar offers a world of possibilities in advanced automation at IMHX 2022

Invar Group, the independent software developer and integrator of advanced warehouse automation, will be showcasing its intelligent WMS software, robotic order picking solutions and the latest technology in warehouse automation at the UK’s IMHX 2022 show – 6th to 8th September 2022, NEC Birmingham (Stand: 5AM26).

Now is no time to put the brakes on automation

2 Now is no time to put the brakes on automation

The overall cost of living and working is increasing, prices are inflating, and as many countries edge towards a possible recession, logistics organisations are feeling the pressure to ensure processes are as cost-effective as possible.

Wearable scanners improve warehouse productivity by over 30%

3 Wearable scanners improve warehouse productivity by over 30%

A VDC Research Whitepaper concludes that substantial productivity gains have been realised by organisations investing in wearable scanning solutions and estimates that the global investment into wearable barcode scanning will increase by 27 percent in 2022.

Rhenus Warehousing Solutions acquires Danish third-party logistics provider DKI

4 Rhenus Warehousing Solutions acquires Danish third-party logistics provider DKI

Rhenus Warehousing Solutions has signed an agreement to acquire the Danish company DKI Logistics A/S and its warehouse investment affiliate DKI Automatic A/S (both together ‘DKI’).

Softeon extends its software solution set for 3PL companies

5 Softeon extends its software solution set for 3PL companies

Softeon, the global supply chain software provider, continues to add new capabilities to its software solutions for third-party logistics (3PLs) providers, leading to continued new customer partnerships.

Warehouse robotics company Exotec announces major expansion into UK market

6 Warehouse robotics company Exotec announces major expansion into UK market

Exotec, a provider of warehouse robotics and French technology unicorn, is now significantly expanding its presence in the UK market.

Get ahead of the game with DIY digital WMS implementation

7 Get ahead of the game with DIY digital WMS implementation

WMS technology solutions provider, Synergy Logistics, has produced a free and insightful guide on how its highly agile and configurable SnapFulfil WMS can be onboarded by customers themselves.

Würth Elektronik eiSos upgrades Warehouse Management System PSIwms

8 Würth Elektronik eiSos upgrades Warehouse Management System PSIwms

The electronics manufacturer Würth Elektronik eiSos has awarded PSI Logistics GmbH with the upgrade to the current version 2022 of the Warehouse Management System PSIwms. This will serve to prepare the strategic rollout of the system to further locations of the Würth Elektronik eiSos Group.

Surgere launches new WMS for Hutchinson North America

9 Surgere launches new WMS for Hutchinson North America

Surgere, the supply chain visibility solutions provider, has launched a new RFID technology application with Hutchinson North America, a manufacturer of EPDM and TPV Engineered Sealing System products for the automotive industry, to provide visibility within their warehouse.

How Cloud-Based Technology Can Scale And Secure Supply Chain Logistics

10 How Cloud-Based Technology Can Scale And Secure Supply Chain Logistics

By Adam Jeffcot, freelance writer.

33 billion records were exposed between 2018 and 2019 due to security breaches. Your supply chain logistics company warehouses are home to digital and physical assets that you must secure.

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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