Vista Retail Support (VRS) is a UK-based IT service and support organisation to the retail sector and specialises in the repair and refurbishment of the Retailer's IT, shop support and EPOS systems.
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.
RT Page & Sons sources Clydebuilt's LocateIT WMS
Mar 30, 2011
Clydebuilt Solutions Ltd has welcomed R T Page & Sons Ltd as a new customer and user of LocateIT WMS.
WMS and ERP solutions provider Central One appoints Belgravium as a 'premier' category partner
Mar 24, 2011
WMS and ERP solutions provider Central One of Nottingham recently appointed Belgravium as a 'premier' category partner.
Vanderlande Industries demonstrates innovative material handling solutions at CeMAT 2011
Mar 04, 2011
Including PICK@EASE item picking workstation, a fully Automated Case Picking (ACP) solution for retail and the VISION Warehouse Management System-Hall 27, stand J34
Goldsteig expands and optimises warehouse logistics with Witron
Feb 22, 2011
Goldsteig Ksereien Bayerwald GmbH, headquartered in Cham in the Upper Palatinate, Germany, is one of Europe's main manufacturers of hard, semi-hard and soft cheeses as well as mozzarella.
Logistex upgrade adds improved performance and new life to automated warehouse
Feb 17, 2011
Logistex has recently completed an extensive modernisation and upgrade programme to a leading distribution company's automated high bay installation in Oxfordshire.
LXE Innovates the Warehouse Handheld with Tecton Rugged Mobile Computer
Feb 07, 2011
Fully-rugged device purpose-built to move warehouse inventory faster and smarter through the global supply chain
Witron wins contract to build comprehensive food-distribution centre for Coop in Norway
Jan 20, 2011
Coop in Norway, with a turnover of over 4 billion euro's and a market share of 24%, is the second largest food retailer of this northern European country.
Intermec to acquire Vocollect
Jan 18, 2011
Intermec has announced that the company has entered into a definitive agreement under which Intermec will acquire Vocollect,provider of voice-centric solutions for mobile workers worldwide.
Making the right investment in improved warehouse visibility
Jan 12, 2011
Manufacturing & Logistics IT spoke with Mike Smith, business development director of Clydebuilt Solutions, about how better warehouse control can reduce the level of required working capital.
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.
