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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Exotec reaches over 100 customer sites accelerating the adoption of warehouse robotics and automation around the world

1 Exotec reaches over 100 customer sites accelerating the adoption of warehouse robotics and automation around the world

Exotec, a global warehouse robotics provider, has announced its continued business expansion reaching over 100 customer sites globally. The company is on track to increase its global employee headcount 80% YoY by 2024 to support record business growth across APAC, Europe, and North America.

DISPEO's Evreux logistics site capitalises on SCALLOG Goods to Person robotics for agile, customised multi-activity logistics

2 DISPEO's Evreux logistics site capitalises on SCALLOG Goods to Person robotics for agile, customised multi-activity logistics

With SCALLOG Goods To Person robotics, the 3PL DISPEO is meeting its objectives for stock consolidation, logistics performance and CSR at its Evreux warehouse. Focus on the 1st European logistician to use the SCALLOG solution for multi-customer operations, particularly in the cosmetics and food sectors.

South Africa’s first fully robotic parcel sortation system now operational at Johannesburg logistics hub

3 South Africa’s first fully robotic parcel sortation system now operational at Johannesburg logistics hub

What is thought to be the first fully robotic parcel sorting system to be deployed in South Africa is now operational at the Johannesburg hub of the country’s leading e-commerce and logistics services company, BUFFALO Couriers.

FMI’ Analyst view: ‘Shaping the Future of Protection: Hermetic Packaging Solutions’

4 FMI’ Analyst view: ‘Shaping the Future of Protection: Hermetic Packaging Solutions’

The hermetic packaging market is poised to increase at a 4.2% CAGR from 2023 to 2033, acquiring a market value of US$ 5.2 billion by the end of 2033, up from US$ 3.4 billion in 2023.

Pioneers in warehouse automation are reaping the benefits, shows industry research

5 Pioneers in warehouse automation are reaping the benefits, shows industry research

Research with manufacturers, retailers and 3PLs across a range of sectors has highlighted that many have already invested significantly in warehouse automation, including over a third (35%) currently having between £1m and £5m invested, while a significant 28% have over £5m invested.

Movu Robotics: Bringing easier automation to the world’s warehouses

6 Movu Robotics: Bringing easier automation to the world’s warehouses

stow Group, a global designer and manufacturer of advanced storage solutions and automated warehouse systems, has launched the new ‘Movu Robotics’ brand, developed to strengthen its Robotics business unit and to meet increasing customer demand for Automation and Robotics solutions. The new brand replaces the name ‘stow Robotics’ as of September 19th 2023.

What’s the future for piece-picking robots?

7 What’s the future for piece-picking robots?

Piece-picking robotics is making big strides in the warehouse and with the aid of AI could soon be within the grasp of SMEs. Dan Migliozzi, Head of Sales at independent systems integrator, Invar Group, sets out where we are on the journey.

Coastal Pet Products futureproofs warehouse with Indigo WMS

8 Coastal Pet Products futureproofs warehouse with Indigo WMS

Ohio based Coastal Pet Products has been making restraints for pets since it was founded by Jim Stout (Chairman) in 1968, led by Kim Stout (President) today.

FMI’ Analyst view: ‘Packaging Perfected: Exploring the Flow Wrap Machines Market’

9 FMI’ Analyst view: ‘Packaging Perfected: Exploring the Flow Wrap Machines Market’

The global flow wrap machines market is estimated to be US$ 288.0 million in 2023 and is expect to reach US$ 422.2 million by 2033. The sales of flow wrap machines are expected to record a CAGR of 3.9% during the forecast period.

Dimerco unveils a new bonded warehouse to cater for high-tech supply chains

10 Dimerco unveils a new bonded warehouse to cater for high-tech supply chains

Global freight forwarder Dimerco is adapting to the changing supply chain strategies of major high-tech companies, opening its second bonded warehouse within the Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport Free Trade Zone (FTZ) on September 12th, 2023.

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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