Christmas 2020 is set to break online shopping records as growth continues to accelerate due to the global coronavirus pandemic, with overall e-commerce sales expected to jump from initial predictions of 11% to 19% reaching £78.9bn (source: Edge Retail Insight).
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.
Sylvania launches new emergency lighting range
Aug 29, 2020
Whether it is the need to direct people to emergency exits, evacuate a building quickly and safely or to ensure working areas remain lit during an electrical outage, every organisation needs to be able to fully rely on its emergency lighting.
Geek+ and Körber announce global partnership for AMR deployment
Aug 25, 2020
Geek+, a global AMR leader, and Körber, the global supply chain technology solutions provider from software to materials handling automation, have begun a global strategic partnership.
Lithium-ion – Deploying a bespoke battery strategy
Aug 24, 2020
By Jon Divers, Customer Service Director at Jungheinrich.
The speed with which organisations are embracing Lithium-ion technology is gaining pace.
McKay acquires Thames Valley Logistics asset for £10 million
Aug 12, 2020
McKay Securities Plc (‘McKay’), the UK REIT specialising entirely in the office, industrial and logistics markets of the South East and London, has acquired 1-4 Willoughby Road, a fully let logistics asset in Bracknell, for £10.0 million, representing a net initial yield of 5.6%.
Supply Chain Robots in a Post-Pandemic World
Jul 28, 2020
eBook from Locus Robotics
This eBook contains insight directly from the warehouses of the ecommerce supply chain. Warehouse operations have been experiencing the impact and changes caused by the 2020 pandemic and while the adjustments have been significant, they all point to one realisation: there’s no going back, we’re approaching a New Normal.
A break with tradition now inevitable in warehousing
Jul 28, 2020
Bricks-and-mortar retail outlets have been decimated during lockdown and the ensuing chaos has travelled swiftly up the supply chain – especially with the many challenges of bulk-shipped goods entering a distribution network for further dispersal to individual locations.
inconso and Zalando continue their collaboration
Jul 27, 2020
Logistics software specialist inconso supports fashion retailer Zalando in controlling logistics automation components with inconsoWCS.
Safety first in a post COVID-19 landscape
Jul 27, 2020
COVID-19 has had a profound effect on our lives but what will be required to protect people in the warehouse workplace as we ease out of lockdown. Jim Roberts, product manager of visual communications specialists Beaverswood offers some insight.
Keep a safe distance
Jul 22, 2020
Am I far enough away or too close? Even if employees know how essential it is to keep a safe distance from each other in times of COVID-19, one’s instincts can be deceptive.
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.
