By Marcel Kars, VP, Warehouse Automation EMEA, Zebra Technologies
Prior to the pandemic, warehouse operators who were committing to robotics automation solutions were considered innovative and pioneering. In fact, respondents to a 2019 Warehousing Vision Study conducted by Zebra indicated that the adoption of robotic material handling solutions was only expected to grow by 6-8% in a five-year period.
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.
Warehouse Operators Take Note: These Robots Can Increase Workers’ Worth and Interest in Warehousing Jobs
Mar 30, 2022
How to Protect your Workers in Industrial Warehouses
Mar 30, 2022
By Joanne Kirby, freelance writer.
A warehouse can be a dangerous place for workers – especially if the appropriate health and safety measures haven’t been taken. You’re expected to safely lift, carry and store items – some of which can be extremely heavy. In many cases, you’re expected to do so with the aid of machinery which might be dangerous if misused.
New CEVA Logistics warehouse in Brazil
Mar 29, 2022
CEVA Logistics has opened a new Contract Logistics warehouse in Jundiai, Brazil, setting its new standard for sustainable warehousing in Latin America (LATAM) and aiming for the facility to be its regional centre of excellence.
Step up to smart warehousing with IoT-based technologies
Mar 22, 2022
By Knud Kegel, VP Product, EMnify.
Disrupted demand cycles, supply bottlenecks, the semiconductor crunch and petrochemical shortages. It’s been a rough ride for many in manufacturing and logistics. Yet the UK manufacturing sector is beginning to see improvements. In February, activity began to accelerate due to an increase in raw material availability and some easing of the supply chain, according to IHS Markit.
Get Industry 4.0 smarter with world-class SIRI assessment
Mar 14, 2022
LMAC Consulting was one of the first companies around the world to become certified assessors for Smart Industry Readiness Index (SIRI), which is the internationally recognised standard for Industry 4.0 planning and endorsed by the World Economic Forum.
Indigo WMS proves a treat for luxury hampers specialist, Virginia Hayward
Mar 07, 2022
Virginia Hayward, supplier of luxury food and wine hampers to some of the UK’s most prestigious retailers, has invested in Indigo WMS to automate its warehousing at three of its business divisions.
Complex omnichannel business all knitted together by Snap Fulfil
Mar 02, 2022
A UK market leader in hand knitting yarns, The DMC Group, has implemented a cloud-based warehouse management system, SnapFulfil, into its UK operation as part of a five-year contract with the WMS innovator.
SnapFulfil client gets hands-on for quicker, slicker multi-site implementation
Feb 16, 2022
A leading online farmer-to-farmer and ag tech company has been able to fast-track its expansion plans thanks to a tailored ‘Self Implementation’ programme from WMS provider, SnapFulfil, that enables customers to onboard the solution themselves.
Jack Sealey nails down voice project with Dakota Integrated Solutions
Feb 16, 2022
Dakota Integrated Solutions Ltd, a real-time technology, printing, mobility and digital data capture solution specialist, has been awarded a contract to integrate its voice-directed software solution into Jack Sealey Ltd’s warehousing facility.
Portworx by Pure Storage announces strategic engagement with AWS
Feb 15, 2022
Pure Storage, an IT solutions provider that delivers storage as-a-service, has entered into strategic engagement with Amazon Web Services (AWS) for solution development and enablement programs for Pure’s Portworx solutions to help enterprises move Kubernetes workloads into production.
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.
