The use and management of warehouses has changed a lot in recent years. The different types of services offered by companies, as well as logistics strategies, have made warehouse management much more complex and strategic.
The warehouse is a key point for the supply chain of any sector, as well as being a fundamental factor for any production process to be sufficiently optimized to provide the required performance.
The challenge is to be as competitive as possible in a highly volatile and competitive market. Therefore, integrating a Warehouse Management System (WMS) is a strategic idea of great value that offers a competitive advantage capable of improving the warehouse management process, saving time and money.
Do you want to know more about warehouse management systems? Read on for everything you need to know about WMS.
What is a Warehouse Management System (WMS)?
A Warehouse Management System (WMS) is a type of software that facilitates the control, coordination and optimization of warehouse movements and operations.
In other words, a WMS helps to optimize all processes in a warehouse. It is an extremely important tool, as it not only tracks all the materials in a warehouse, but can also create systems to streamline the way workers pick products and pack orders.
WMS software is a priority resource in the so-called digitalization or digital transformation of companies, as it is a tool capable of improving and optimizing all tasks related to warehouse management using new technologies.
Thus, thanks to a WMS software it is possible to carry out activities such as the reception and dispatch of goods, preparation, packaging and labeling of orders, cross docking, stock management, etc…
By ensuring transparency of inventory-related data, a WMS reduces manual errors and also takes care of inventory control management.
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What it is used for. Main functions
At this point you may already have a clearer idea of what a warehouse management system is for, but let’s go into a little more detail about its main functions.
A WMS allows users to have a centralized system where different warehouse tasks are managed through a unified interface, which in turn ensures ease of use and efficiency of warehouse operations.
A WMS is a software that adapts to companies, so it is scalable, allowing functionalities to be added according to the needs of the companies.
In a general way, we can list the following basic functions offered by a WMS system:
Tracking of goods
One of the great functionalities offered by this type of system is the ability to track stock entries in the warehouse.
It provides a very intuitive interface to manage data and information related to availability, processing and replenishment needs.
This functionality allows to optimize the warehouse space and to have a clear idea of the real stock that exists for the products.
Incoming and outgoing goods
A WMS allows the entire management of shipping and receiving of goods to be carried out in a simple and efficient manner.
It ensures that the right product is chosen according to the needs and characteristics of the storage, e.g. LIFO or FIFO, with the most feasible and economical solution for the company being visible.
Transparency and visibility
As we have already discussed, inventory tracking is one of the crucial functions of a warehouse management system.
This allows easy and direct access to information related to inventory and orders, such as lot details, expiration dates, serial numbers, etc…
Improve customer service
The use of a WMS ensures that the right products are delivered to the right customers at the right time.
It becomes a key factor in ensuring customer satisfaction, as well as a major attraction for customer loyalty.
Reporting and Analysis Capabilities
The use of a WMS system provides robust, accurate and actionable information on inventory-related operations.
This facilitates the analysis of data for certain KPIs, which are very important for decision making and warehouse strategies.
How it works
A WMS is an automated and digitized system with all warehouse information. Every task and process that takes place in the warehouse will be managed by the software.
Both the input and output processes, everything is designed to be reflected in the system.
Workers will access the software via workstations and everything will be connected to the WMS servers. The goods receivers will also be connected to the system, generating fully automatic processes.
Depending on the type of warehouse and the tasks and needs to be performed, a simpler or more complex system will be designed.
Advantages of using an WMS
Considering the functionalities that a WMS system can bring to a warehouse, it is easy to identify the advantages it can offer to a company.
- Inventory management is optimized.
- Processes are much more efficient and faster, minimizing human error.
- Process automations that increase productivity.
- Compatibility with other ERPs.
In short, proper warehouse management helps companies maximize profitability, and a WMS is necessary for this purpose.
Across Logistics, an international leader in warehousing services.
At Across Logístics we find and provide an intelligent, competitive, flexible and customized warehousing solution.
At present, the warehouse service has become a key piece in most of the sectors, due to the new trends that the international market is experiencing.
That is why at Across logistics we have increased and improved our services related to warehouse logistics. You can get more information at:
