An independent research report, commissioned by the UK Warehousing Association (UKWA) and produced by specialist consultancy Delta Energy & Environment (Delta-EE), has shown huge potential benefits for the UK, and for the warehousing & logistics sector, of installing solar photovoltaic (PV) systems on the nation’s warehouse rooftops.
Warehouse Management Software, WMS, Warehousing Software, Warehouse Systems
A critical element within the wider supply chain, a warehouse management system (WMS) helps to manage the storage and distribution of goods within a warehouse or distribution centre (DC). The software stores and provides information on goods transactions such as receiving, putaway and picking and shipping, often based on real-time information related to bin utilisation. A WMS system also often incorporates the use of Auto Identification & Data Capture (AIDC) devices or systems – including barcode scanners, mobile computers, wireless LANs or Radio-frequency identification (RFID) – to help to optimise the efficient stocking and distribution of goods.
Prologis UK’s latest building at Hemel Hempstead is a BREEAM Outstanding record breaker
Aug 30, 2022
A brand new distribution centre developed and owned by Prologis UK has achieved the highest sustainability rating of any project in its category.
The HD Group joins the UKWA
Aug 29, 2022
The Doncaster based HD Group, which specialises in freight forwarding and storage solutions, has become a member of the United Kingdom Warehousing Association (UKWA).
Dematic and Dexterity partner to deploy full-test robotics shaping the supply chain of tomorrow
Aug 29, 2022
Dematic has entered into a strategic partnership with warehouse robotics provider, Dexterity, to offer full-task robotics as part of Dematic intelligent automation solutions.
Rapid racking reaps rewards with Jungheinrich
Aug 23, 2022
The UK shelving and storage company, Rapid Racking, based in Gloucestershire, has partnered with intralogistics solutions provider Jungheinrich to further support their sustainability goals.
Now is no time to put the brakes on automation
Aug 23, 2022
The overall cost of living and working is increasing, prices are inflating, and as many countries edge towards a possible recession, logistics organisations are feeling the pressure to ensure processes are as cost-effective as possible.
As the old adage goes – you have to spend money to make money. And investment is certainly necessary to save money too.
Invar offers a world of possibilities in advanced automation at IMHX 2022
Aug 23, 2022
Invar Group, the independent software developer and integrator of advanced warehouse automation, will be showcasing its intelligent WMS software, robotic order picking solutions and the latest technology in warehouse automation at the UK’s IMHX 2022 show – 6th to 8th September 2022, NEC Birmingham (Stand: 5AM26).
Rhenus Warehousing Solutions acquires Danish third-party logistics provider DKI
Aug 22, 2022
Rhenus Warehousing Solutions has signed an agreement to acquire the Danish company DKI Logistics A/S and its warehouse investment affiliate DKI Automatic A/S (both together ‘DKI’).
The big five AMR questions
Aug 22, 2022
Frazer Watson, VP-Sales UK/Ireland at AMR designer and manufacturer iFollow, runs through the key questions customers need to ask when considering an Autonomous Mobile Robot (AMR) solution.
Free car parking at IMHX 2022
Aug 22, 2022
Visitors to the fast-approaching International Materials Handling Exhibition (IMHX 2022) who travel to the show by car will enjoy free parking at the NEC, Birmingham, throughout the three-day-event thanks to the generosity of the UK Material Handling Association (UKMHA) which has agreed to sponsor parking charges at the exhibition venue.
Warehouse Management System
A warehouse is a commercial building used for the storage of goods and are usually cited in industrial areas. Warehouses are used by manufacturers, logistics companies, distributors, transport, freight forwarders, importers, exporters, wholesalers, etc. Warehouses usually have loading bays and docks and serve as a distribution centre for the loading and unloading of goods from trucks. Sometimes warehouses are designed for storage and despatch of goods directly from railways, airports or seaports.
A warehouse management system, or WMS, is a key part of the supply chain and primarily aims to control the movement and storage of materials within a warehouse and then organise and process all of the associated transactions such as shipping, receiving, put-away and picking. The systems also direct and optimise stock put-away based on real-time information about the status of bin utilisation. A WMS can be used by manufacturers in their own warehousing facilities or a logistics company (3Pl /4Pl) operating contracts for a number of clients and retailers.
Warehouses are an integral link in the modern supply chain, ensuring that the correct product is stored efficiently,delivered in the right quantity, in good condition, at the required time, and at minimal cost. It performs an integral role in managing goods movement and information exchange between manufacturers, distributors and retailers.
A good Warehouse Management System (WMS) manages all types of warehouse operations efficiently and effectively. It also enhances inventory management by increasing accuracy, improving order fulfilment and reducing order cycle time. Receiving and shipping are streamlined as well to facilitate cross-docking and expedite back-ordered products.
A WMS can automate picking, packing and shipping and it will minimise the number of moves per order. The WMS can improve the accuracy of every order, reduce safety stock, manage tasks and improve processes. An efficient WMS can consolidate orders to reduce transportation and shipping costs. Data is collected within the warehouse environment by data-capture technology such as barcode scanners, mobile computers, wireless LANs and Radio-frequency identification (RFID).
This information is then fed into a central WMS database to provide a real-time update on the overall inventory and specific SKU levels in the warehouse (stock keeping units). This information is then used to replenish the stock levels to ensure that there is sufficient flow of products. Once data has been collected, there is either a batch synchronization with, or a real-time wireless transmission to a central database. The database can then provide useful reports about the status of goods in the warehouse.
Bonded warehouses are specifically used as a secure holding or storage facility before duty is paid. Upon entry of goods into the warehouse, the importer and warehouse owner incur liability under a bond. Goods can be stored and held in a secure environment for a number of years before either being shipped on or released for distribution when the duty must then be paid.
