Types and examples of WMS systems

Types of WMS systems – are out of box ones, adapted and personalized management systems. For which business categories they are intended. Examples of some WMS and a basic description of how they work.

Modern business is undergoing dramatic changes by adapting to the realities of the world. In parallel with it, warehouse management systems are also being transformed, which we described in the article “WMS system is”. Adapting to new business models, WMS are divided into several types for greater adaptability and process automation.

Businesses vary in scale and scope of activity. Accordingly, warehouse management systems differ in their functionality, because the same product is not suitable for different companies.

There are three basic types of WMS.

This is a system that is completely ready to be installed and start working. The customer can make the necessary adjustments to the complex, but the list of changes is limited – the software has exactly the functionality that the developer planned. An out of box WMS has mostly a basic set of functions. Some manufacturers of such software expand the capabilities of the basic package with additional ones through licenses.

Most often, out of box automation systems run on the standard Windows operating system. A popular solution among Ukrainian customers is the 1C system. However, it is difficult to attribute this software to a full-fledged WMS, as the out of box version has significantly limited functionality.

Adaptive examples of WMS systems are common among companies of various sizes. The most popular implementation of a WMS system in a warehouse is of this type, such software has proven itself in the medium and large business segment, where the warehouse is of great importance in the entire work cycle.

The complex has a core – the basis of all software. Additional modules are installed at the request of the customer. This is not only beneficial functionally, but also financially – the client pays only for what he needs.

These are complex, expensive, but completely custom systems. Each product is individual and has no analogues on the market. Such software is ordered by companies with large warehouse complexes, many products, and related processes. Although the cost of this type of WMS is quite high, small businesses often order such software due to the high level of adaptability to the business and the possibility of a one-time injection of funds, rather than using a monthly subscription.

Proprietary WMS are written from scratch. It can take a year or more from the moment of studying the business and preparing for the full integration of the product.

Here are examples of popular international WMS systems:

• Astro WMS by Consafe Logistic. A powerful warehouse operations management system. Suitable for businesses of any level.
• SAP. Another powerful set of automation tools that is part of the SAP ERP business management system. The product is intended for customers whose companies have many processes of different nature.
• TECSYS WMS. A cloud-based example of a WMS system for medium and large businesses. The product of a Canadian developer specializing in business software. Many ratings have noted the high technology and innovation of TECSYS as a warehouse management system.

It is also worth paying attention to Ukrainian developers whose products are adapted to local peculiarities.

The process of a warehouse management system can be briefly described as follows:

• goods arrive at the warehouse, where they are identified by barcodes;
• WMS is connected to the operation and starts to monitor the products;
• system analyzes key operations (type of goods, storage location, what to load) based on the available data, giving prompts to the staff;
• through a remote control system (e.g., RFID), the WMS can “understand” where a particular object is located, how it is stored, and where to look for it.

Certain types of WMS systems will suggest the optimal type of packaging, what goods are planned for delivery and signal the expiration date (for the relevant product category). All information is generated in a convenient reporting form, which the client (owner) can view and make adjustments.