The current economic situation could push more businesses to consider outsourcing their logistics and distribution functions in future in order to cut costs.
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.
VIP Computers streamlines operations with HighJump Warehouse Advantage
Mar 11, 2009
HighJump Software has announced that its warehouse management system is delivering real-time inventory and order fulfillment visibility at VIP Computer Center Ltd.
NYK Logistics and Manhattan Associates join forces to deliver fulfilment solution for Komatsu France
Mar 02, 2009
Manhattan Associates and NYK Logistics have successfully completed a joint project to deliver an advanced fulfilment solution to serve the French dealership network of Komatsu
Edekas central warehouse wins award with Witrons OPM Technology
Feb 25, 2009
Awards are assigned for innovative marketing, store and sales concepts, technologies or leading logistics strategies.
C&S Wholesale Grocers improves productivity at its distribution centres
Feb 17, 2009
Retalix recently announced that C&S Wholesale Grocers has deployed the Retalix Dock Scheduling system at all 34 of its distribution centres.
How a WMS Can Help You Increase Profit During Economic Downturn
Jan 27, 2009
How is your business planning to survive during the economic downturn? The typical response is to stop all process improvement and technology projects and concede that we just cant afford it now. This line of thinking is a trap!
Seafield Logistics drives cost savings with RedPrairie WMS solution
Jan 26, 2009
Best practice will mean benefits across the Seafield Logistics estate.
Optimising inventory where to start?
Jan 15, 2009
Supply chain and manufacturing experts have been faced with a new set of challenges, managing increased complexity during a recession.
The new R Series from Datalogic Mobile
Dec 17, 2008
Maximum productivity and reliability in the toughest environments
The Malcolm Group Choose Belgravium Warehouse Solution
Dec 10, 2008
Logistics providers, The Malcolm Group, have selected the Geneva 6000 handheld and Monaco 7100 truck mounted terminals
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.