Integration of WMS systems at the warehouse processes

The modern approach to logistics operations treats the warehouse not as an object but as a process. The degree of automation of this process directly affects the accuracy and quality of customer service. In order not to lose the audience, it is crucial for the company to take measures to ensure the efficient operation of the warehouse. A proven solution is to implement a WMS system.

Warehouse management systems are not cheap, and this often scares off potential customers. However, the cost is fully covered by the opportunities that the owner gets. They are not only automation and related benefits, but also cost savings.

Resource efficiency

The implementation of a WMS in a warehouse affects the time required to complete specific tasks. The less time spent on the sequence of logistics operations, the more tasks can be completed. And customers will receive the goods on time.

A well-chosen and integrated management system allocates staff resources more efficiently. Accurate monitoring of the area makes it possible to optimize the use of warehouse space, reducing the amount of waste. Controlling these parameters simplifies the storage process and reduces potential product spoilage. As a result, operating costs are reduced, and the business begins to work more efficiently for itself.

Warehouse report accuracy

A common task of logistics facilities is to take timely and accurate inventory. Implementing a WMS system in a warehouse makes it possible. Thanks to the management complex, the order cycle time is reduced and the quality of its execution is improved.

WMS also allows you to:

• monitor every object in the warehouse;
• track data in real time;
• optimize inventory-related processes.

The owner will not only know what is happening in the warehouse in more detail, but will also be able to track changes in real time. Not a single movement will pass by the warehouse management system, which is equipped with a variety of control technologies (RFID, AIDC, barcode scanning, etc.). The company can better serve the customer without spending most of its time on secondary issues such as inventory.

Speed of cargo handling

Operational cargo handling is a key logistics function. Automation in the form of a WMS allows you to quickly identify different baggage, and register them in a single database without direct human intervention. Thus, the implementation of the system eliminates any manual manipulations with the goods, reconciliations and searches in databases. Operations are performed automatically, and the staff receives appropriate instructions from the software.

Control over warehouse operations

The efficiency of the entire warehouse depends on the productivity of the supply chain. The implementation of WMS will immediately affect the functioning of the entire facility. The staff is able to accurately navigate the storage, packaging, and zoning of the warehouse.

In real time, the WMS performs:

• monitoring the work of each zone;
• analysis of the employment of workers;
• control of the movement of residues;
• sending and receiving customer orders.

Based on the data, the software generates detailed analytics of the warehouse and presents it in a form convenient for management analysis. The system also plays an important role in planning the company's development.

WMS is a complex and responsible process. Integration is far from a simple installation of software on the company's computers, so specialized specialists are involved in such work.

The implementation of a warehouse management system can be divided into several stages:

• Preliminary project analysis. At this stage, the customer forms tasks and integration goals. Technologies and equipment are selected.
• Implementation. The main stage during which specialists install and pre-configure the software. Special WMS modules are connected and integrated with external systems.
• Staff training. The implementation of a WMS system will have no effect without personnel who will be responsible for the operation of specific modules. Employees undergo an internship and learn the basic principles of working with goods through the WMS.
• Testing and launching the software. The final stage of implementation is the commissioning of the project to the customer.

Professionally performed work always aims to provide the best service to the client. Contractors provide support for the system after its launch, promptly assist staff in their work, and update the software as new versions are released.

The cost of WMS systems is relatively high, and the pricing policy depends on a number of factors:

• choice of a WMS solution: a typical, comprehensive automation package, an individual system;
• license - when choosing out-of-the-box products, developers often offer different functionality, allowing the client to choose the necessary options, the cost of the license depends on this;
• if cloud storages are used, the price of the service rental;
• training of employees;
• project scope: a small warehouse, medium or large logistics center;
• implementation timeframe.

When analyzing the price of implementing a WMS system in a warehouse, you should take into account the cost of additional equipment. This includes:

information collection terminals that function in conjunction with the WMS core;

• barcoding equipment;
• printers;
• RFID, AIDC, or other radio tagging systems;
• consumables.

The analysis of the cost of implementing a WMS in a warehouse should also take into account the factor of scaling (expanding) the business in the future, as well as integration with other systems. The criterion of cloning the system to other warehouses within the same company is important.