The rapid changes in the supply chain, especially in the last 10 years, have made it almost mandatory to use Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) solutions to control labor costs and ensure quality. Whether you manage an e-commerce website, a retail chain, or you are a manufacturer or distributor, these systems offer many advantages in storage, shipping, and workforce processes. The advancement of technology and the execution of software on Android-based hardware have made applications like Warehouse Management Systems preferred not only by large enterprises but also by medium and small businesses. By exploring warehouse management software solutions and their benefits, you can effectively and efficiently manage your business operations.
Warehouse Management System (WMS)
A Warehouse Management System – WMS is a software application that supports daily operations in a warehouse. Also known as a warehouse tracking program, WMS helps solve many challenges frequently encountered by businesses involved in wholesale and retail sales, manufacturing, and distribution. WMS enables centralized management of tasks such as tracking stock levels and locations. Additionally, the warehouse stock tracking program can integrate seamlessly with all LOGO ERP solutions, making all processes throughout the business interconnected, smooth, and streamlined.
What is ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning)?
Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), which forms the backbone of the Supply Chain Information System, ensures the initiation, monitoring, and control of logistics processes within the supply chain while also providing performance measurements for these operations. ERP systems support not only the execution of logistics operations but also decision support functions such as demand forecasting and planning. Furthermore, ERP encompasses various independent applications that typically operate under its umbrella. These include Production Management, Financial Management, Material Stock Management, Sales Management, Customer Relationship Management, Human Resources Management, Budget Management, Foreign Trade Management, Quality Management, Maintenance Management, After-Sales Services, and Business Intelligence, to name a few.
What are the Features of Warehouse Management Systems?
Receiving Process
WMS assists businesses in efficiently receiving, processing, and placing goods based on their business rules and warehouse flow.
Inventory Management
Warehouse stock tracking software provides real-time visibility into an organization’s inventory in any location, including transportation and stores. Stock program solutions support stock counting and demand forecasting using advanced analytics and insights into product and vendor performance, including serial/lot tracking, pallet tracking, shelf tracking, tracking of damaged, rejected, and blocked goods.
Counting
WMS warehouse software offers a range of solutions for maximum efficiency in all counting processes. Applications such as counting with handheld terminals, real-time stock tracking, and comparison on a serial/lot basis facilitate control and execution of all operations, minimizing errors.
Shipping
Many warehouse systems integrate with shipping management and logistics software to expedite the delivery process. With real-time warehouse tracking programs, businesses can verify whether products reach the intended destination on time and accurately. Additionally, solutions such as loading based on FIFO/FEFO and prevention of incorrect truck loading enhance the efficiency of shipping processes.
Workforce Management
WMS provides real-time visibility into warehouse staff, labor costs, response times, productivity gaps, planned training sessions, and more, supporting businesses in managing their workforce effectively. This enables businesses to assign personnel tasks and responsibilities according to their needs and carry out performance monitoring and management operations more efficiently.
Warehouse Layout and Data Analytics
Real-time data eliminates errors and significantly speeds up the process by offering reliable warehouse layout solutions compared to manual data collection methods. This data, in conjunction with a data warehouse, enables the creation of visual reports to monitor timely shipments, stock accuracy, distribution costs, order cycle time, and other essential metrics.
Returns Tracking
Warehouse management systems allow businesses of all scales to manage return processes with maximum efficiency and effectiveness. By managing return controls and handling intact/defective return operations, you can gain control over warehouse processes.
Production
WMS ensures the accurate execution of interconnected and overlapping operations, from demand forecasting to order placement, storage, and supplier deliveries, in areas such as production planning and execution.
Pick-to-Light Systems
Pick-to-Light systems display the location of items to be picked and the quantity to be picked through LED displays, enabling the personnel to notify the system about the results of the picking process through buttons on the display. Pick-to-Light systems do not require personnel to carry any equipment while picking or sorting. They are used in operations that require detailed order picking, such as textile, healthcare, and retail sectors.
