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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EDEKA builds state-of-the-art and highly efficient meat processing facility

1 EDEKA builds state-of-the-art and highly efficient meat processing facility

One of the most modern and efficient meat-processing facilities in Europe is currently being set up in Rheinstetten (Baden Wrttemberg).

Vanderlande Industries wins Best Innovator award and showcases new technology at AOA exhibition

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Vanderlande Industries UK recently showcased its latest technologies at the AOA Annual Conference and Exhibition.

Huuskes lowers personnel costs by 20% with new order fulfilment system

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Huuskes Versproducten BV from Enschede (the Netherlands) manufactures and delivers convenience meals and processes ingredients to prepare convenience meals.

$1.8 billion retail giant, Ripley, selects new on-demand WMS from LogFire

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LogFire, a global provider of supply chain software and services for retail and consumer goods companies, has announced that Ripley Corp S.A., one of the largest retailers in Chile and Peru, has selected LogFire's new on-demand warehouse management system (WMS).

Imtech launches new operation in the UK

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Imtech is launching a new operation in the UK to offer its logistics software.

Belgravium and Clydebuilt Solutions launch new Warehouse Management IT Solutions website

6 Belgravium and Clydebuilt Solutions launch new Warehouse Management IT Solutions website

Further to the recent announcement of their exclusive Gold Status partnership agreement, Bradford based Belgravium and Paisley based Clydebuilt Solutions have now launched an entirely new dedicated website www.warehouse-management-systems.com

Vanderlande's VISION WMS Validated Successfully for the 10th Year in a Row on System Functionalities and Quality by Fraunhofer Institute

7 Vanderlande's VISION WMS Validated Successfully for the 10th Year in a Row on System Functionalities and Quality by Fraunhofer Institute

Vanderlande Industries' VISION Warehouse Management System (WMS) has successfully been validated for the tenth year in a row by the renowned German Fraunhofer Institute of Logistics and Material Flow.

Dematic Group completes acquisition of HK Systems, Inc.

8 Dematic Group completes acquisition of HK Systems, Inc.

Dematic Group, global supplier of integrated material handling solutions and services, has successfully completed the acquisition of HK Systems, a North American automated material handling and software solutions provider.

Outstanding awards for Alliance Boots and Witron

9 Outstanding awards for Alliance Boots and Witron

Alliance Boots has been overwhelmed with awards. "In 2006 we began to optimise our entire Supply Chain and logistics processes. Our goal was to offer the best supply chain in pharmacy retail, as well as in the health and cosmetics section.

Quantronix' CubiScan 150 acquires OIML and MID certification

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EXDS has announced that in addition to the NTEP-USA, Measurement Canada, and NMI-Australia legal-for-trade certifications, the CubiScan 150 (from Quantronix) has recently obtained equivalent type-approval to standards set by the International Organization of Legal Metrology (OIML) and to the Measuring Instruments Directive (MID) of the European Union.

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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