By Andrew Thompson, freelance writer.
For a while, businesses could work around the advancement of technology if they wanted to. Skating by with doing things the pencil and paper way. However, that is no longer a suitable choice for both sustainability and growth.
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.
Tech Innovations to Help You Better Manage Your Logistics Business
Feb 14, 2022
Ferag showcases advanced sorter technology at Retail Supply Chain & Logistics Expo 2022
Feb 09, 2022
Ferag, provider of conveying and sortation solutions, is to display its Swiss engineered overhead pouch and sorter systems at Retail Supply Chain & Logistics Expo 2022, 2-3 March, ExCel, London (Stand SC2460).
More Manufacturers are Seeing Machine Vision Clearly in Their Future – and So are We
Feb 04, 2022
By Matt Van Bogart, Zebra Technologies.
There are over a dozen good reasons why fixed industrial scanners and machine vision systems should be installed in every warehouse, distribution center (DC) and factory today. Yet, there’s one main reason why they’re not: they have a reputation for being overly complicated to setup and difficult to deploy.
Continuous WMS improvement with new self implementation programme
Jan 26, 2022
In line with the fast growing direct to consumer (D2C) market, which is set to be worth some $175 billion in the US alone by 2023, WMS technology innovator, SnapFulfil, has taken its pioneering remote implementation (RI) initiative to the next level with an advanced version that enables customers to onboard the solution themselves.
Epicor acquires WMS provider JMO Business Systems, expanding presence in automotive aftermarket and OE parts sectors
Jan 25, 2022
Epicor has acquired JMO Business Systems Ltd, a provider of warehouse management systems (WMS), enterprise mobility solutions and related services for automotive aftermarket and original equipment (OE) parts distributors. Financial terms were not disclosed.
How technology can help improve worker safety across the warehousing industry
Jan 17, 2022
By James Mann, Enterprise Business Development Manager, Getac.
Warehouses are often filled with noise, dust and distractions, making them dangerous places to work.
Despatch Cloud: 2022 shaping up to be an exciting year for fulfilment and warehousing
Jan 17, 2022
2021 was another year of massive growth for the warehousing industry. Online retailers became accustomed to handling yet larger volumes and clicking ‘buy it now’ the established norm for the consumer.
Hy-Tek Holdings acquires Advanced Handling Systems
Jan 05, 2022
Hy-Tek Holdings (Hy-Tek), a portfolio company of Dunes Point Capital, LP (DPC), has acquired Advanced Handling Systems, LLC (AHS).
Watch Gang clocking up record fulfilment milestones
Jan 05, 2022
A six-month warehouse-wide hard-count inventory audit by luxury and collectable online watch retailer, Watch Gang, has registered a 0% shrinkage rate for the first time and highest ever customer service levels.
Yojee teams up with HERE Technologies to unlock value in global supply chains
Jan 05, 2022
HERE Technologies, the location data and technology platform, and Yojee Limited, a cloud-based software as a service (SaaS) logistics platform that facilitates the flow of freight movements into a single ecosystem, have teamed up to create an operations intelligence solution to transform warehouse operations and management for global companies.
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.
