WMS systems

Modern business is guided by principles that significantly differ from traditional, familiar models. Digitalization and automation of processes are in trend. This is especially true for the logistics industry. Many companies still practice manual warehousing, but the quality of such businesses differs from that of more modern market players. The key to their efficiency is a warehouse management system (WMS).

What is WMS?

Warehouse Management System or WMS is a system for managing the processes of a warehouse, logistics center, and similar facilities that provides full automation of workflow. Depending on the capabilities of the software and hardware, the complex is capable of performing a number of tasks automatically: receiving goods, taking inventory, planning storage and shipping, etc.

A WMS system is a reliable solution for warehouse management. Especially in large companies. It is almost impossible to imagine a modern business without WMS automation. It greatly simplifies the management of such a business and improves the efficiency of all internal processes of the company.

WMS functionality

WMS systems differ in their functionality depending on the level of software. Basic versions are the most common. Such software controls the process of receiving, picking, and shipping an object from a warehouse. More complex warehouse management systems can control the work of not just one room, but several at once.

Warehouse operations management

The complex is able to analyze and control the main points of warehouse management in detail. These include:

monitoring of storage locations to ensure normal unloading of products - goods cannot be stored anywhere, there is a certain scheme for their placement, which is what the system does;

• monitoring of loading and unloading times depending on the system settings;
• selection and appointment of a carrier;
• centralized distribution of tasks for the working staff;
• control, acceptance, delivery of goods, etc.

The internal operations of a logistics center are well-established when each element of the center performs its role accurately. WMS is a control tool and a reliable assistant in this task.

Stock management and inventory

A warehouse can be considered a living organism that works thanks to the coordinated work of each of its parts. WMS systems help:

• control the inventory of the warehouse facility;
• set a clear inventory schedule and adhere to it precisely;
• control the expiration date - goods, especially food, have a narrow shelf life, in the conditions of large batches, WMS systems provide accurate monitoring of their storage;
• remind you to replenish stocks that the warehouse needs;
• perform zoning of the territory of the logistics center depending on the situation;
• reserve products;
• timely reminders of planned and postponed tasks.

The logistics business is closely related to time, which employees do not have much of. WMS warehouse management systems are capable of monitoring hundreds (even thousands) of warehouse operation points, which significantly reduces the likelihood of critical staff errors.

Document flow

A modern warehouse consists of thousands of documents, each of which has equal value. As a rule, this work is assigned to human resources.

Modern warehouses actively use such management systems. WMS reduces the amount of paperwork by controlling document flow processes. Every action, from receiving and packing goods to shipping them, is accompanied by an electronic system. 

Warehouse work planning

The software has capabilities for both operational resource management and warehouse scheduling. For example, WMS systems can be configured to repeat a specific operation according to a given schedule. Owners can flexibly adjust their business to specific situations: workload, arrival of special goods, priority of a particular customer, and many other parameters.

Features of WMS implementation in the enterprise

WMS systems are not just a program that is installed on a computer. It is a complex that is customized (or developed) for specific business tasks.

A WMS warehouse management system consists of an IT and hardware complex. The latter includes:

• servers;
• equipment for printing documentation, barcodes and other objects;
• code scanners;
• radio modules for rapid data transmission to the server;
• client equipment: PCs, tablets, terminals;
• radio tags and other modules.

The amount of hardware and software directly depends on the activity and scale of the warehouse center.

How to choose a WMS - Development or search for a ready-made solution?

WMS systems are divided into several types:

• Entry-level software;
• standard programs that are ready to be installed;
• customized warehouse management systems.

Small centers can get by with entry-level software. However, large businesses require customized solutions. The software allows you to solve the issue of warehouse automation of any level. Such software is developed with the prospect of business development, expansion, and scaling.